Fantastic Duo! - Cyd Charisse and Ricardo Montalban

[Fonseca429]

@bndanajack, "he is a painfully bad dancer" Are you sure? At least in this dance he proved that he had talent. I´m not an authority in dance, but his movements seemed to me quite impressive.

[StoneKnivesBearskins]

THAT is Ricardo Montalban?! He's so YOUNG! <3

[varadero1839]

@StoneKnivesBearskins Ricardo was born in Mexico in 1920. Had he lived, he'd be 91 years old today! RIP!

[Fonseca429]

@bandanajack, Are you really sure about Ricardo ´s dancing ? I think it´s wonderful. She dances very well. Look at the way he moves.

[varadero1839]

@Fonseca429 This was the real Ricardo Montalban dancing. I agree; he's wonderful! He was the 1st one to say, even then, Cyd taught him a lot! Thanks for writing!

[bandanajack]

love them both, and ricardo was never more beuatiful, but he is a painfully bad dancer, and the cheesy choreography does nothing for cyd.

[Fonseca429]

I´ve never seen Ricardo dance so well! And Cyd is great as always.

[nogueirafilho1949]

ANTOLOGICO:NÃO SE PODE QUERER DESCREVER O OBVIO:UM MOMENTO DA MAIS PURA MAGIA,QUE NENHUM DELES ,SIQUER PODERIA IMAGINAR,QUE FICARIA PARA A POSTERIDADE.VEREI E OUVIREI MIL VEZES,PARA DIZER:FANTASTICO,INIMITAVEL E,JAMAIS ALGUÉM REPETIRA A MESMA MAGIA!VEJO E OUÇO,MAIS COM ALMA,QUE TEM ANSIEDADE,NUMA ESPECIE DE DEJA VÚ,COMO SE EU TIVESSE PRESERNCIADO TAL MOMENTO!

[puigtt]

@nogueirafilho1949 Seu comentario e simplesmente maravilhoso pela sua sensibilidade e clareza de opinião. O que se vê hoje em dia são pessoas "vestida" com péssimo gosto (não todos, mas quase), Mostrando tudo. É maravilhoso assistir essas danças com tanta naturalidade sem precisar ser chulo, roupas que valorizam o movimento da dança...concordam?

[rhyanwood1]

Now those are stars and entertainers. Such class, it just drips off both Ricardo and Cyd. To hell with todays so-called Hollywood stars.

[varadero1839]

@rhyanwood1 Rather my sentiments exactly! Most of the stars of today have their latest marriage, ugly divorce and/or sex-tapes to keep them in the public eye! With few exceptions, true talent, as exhibited here, flew out the window a long time ago. Thanks so much for having written!

[ajdukujac]

i need serious help, WHAT'S THE NAME OF THE SONG AT THE BEGINNING THAT A GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE SINGING? many thanks

[ajdukujac]

@ajdukujac  0:24

[varadero1839]

@ajdukujac I've been researching this for the last 2.5 hours! Did my best, but can't help you. I'm very sorry. I'll keep trying, as I like the melody myself. Best wishes.

[Peeve103]

@ajdukujac According to my reference book, The Hollywood Musical, the band is Los Bocheros. They are responsible for four songs in the movie: La Bamba (which of course this isn't); La Luna Enamorada (which according to YouTube it isn't either); Miriano; and Romerio Vasca. So it must be one of these last two numbers. Good luck finding either of these songs elsewhere to see if it's the same and sorry I can't do more to help.

[RIDATRE2010]

@ajdukujac EL GRUPO SE LLAMABA  LOS BOCHEROS

[RIDATRE2010]

@ajdukujac  ESTAN CANTANDO LOS BOCHEROS

[ajdukujac]

@RIDATRE2010 gracias. sabes qual es el titulo de la cancion?

[cupcake101]

I love her dress! Cyd was just breathtaking.

[7beers]

KKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH­HHHHNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!

[liettennabenna]

Simply perfect and wonderful. Two great artists!!

[thynaluna]

This is Spanish dance. Our repertoire is: Spanish Dance: Flamenco (Andalusia), Spanish Folk Dances: Jota (all Spain), Basque dances (Basque Country), Sardana (Catalonia), Muñeira (Galicia and León), Paloteo (Castile), Isa Canaria (Canary Islands)... considered as branches of the Spanish Classical Dance: Fandango (Murcia, Castile, and Valencia), Seguidillas (Castile and Madrid) and Zapateo, and Ballroom Dancing: Pasodoble (all Spain), Sevillanas (Seville) and Chotis (Madrid). And Zarzuela!

[puigtt]

@thynaluna Gostaria de obter essas músicas. Meu marido era descendente de Catalãs.

Obrigada.

[ConfusedSponge]

Is this movie called Fiesta?

[ConfusedSponge]

Cyd = Goddess Cyd=Grace

[ilovetruffles99]

ricardo montalban pretty much was the standard when it came to portraying a romantic hot-blooded spaniard. meowwww

[tamcon72]

Ha-ha! I love how Hollywood would mix their cultural idioms in these films--it's Spanish, no, it's Mexican, no, it's a bit Irish! Heck, let's throw them all together and see what comes out the other end! Great dancing, btw :)

[debbiechickie5]

I don't see anywhere online or in interviews where Ricardo references ever taking dance lessons. He knew how to play piano, which might be an expected skill from an upper middle class guy- but the dancing..?? What I like about his dancing is that it seems NOT taught or learned...not slick or polished, yet very good & very natural. What an amazing man...

[varadero1839]

@debbiechickie5 Hi! There was an awards show that used to be on YT. It was honoring Ricardo, and he was introduced by Cyd Charisse. This was towards the end of his career, and he came on stage in a wheelchair. He honored Cyd as his best teacher, though he'd learned some MGM in-house moves as well. He was very modest, but never actually had any formal training to my knowledge. I'm so sad they're both gone! Thanks for writing.

[June071710]

What on earth was that?! o_O

The choreograph should be put in jail! Flamenco, sevillanas, jotas and Mexico lindo with a pinch of "made in Hollywood-land" all together in a mess! It was so painful to watch and to listen to... Pls, someone should put a warning sign, ty.

[Moionfire]

@June071710

The dancing was good. Who cares if it was a mish-mash of different dances and cultures...

[June071710]

@Moionfire Just because it pleases you aesthetically it doesn't mean it was good. I'm not questioning Cyd Charisse's technique or the execution of the dancing all together. They did what they were told to do.

Herein lies the problem: mixing dances and cultures, which I like, is fine, but from my point of view, this specific "mish-mash" was a failure.

[PtrOBrn]

I would totaly watch dancing with the stars if they used old movie footage instead of present day celebrities. this is so much more entertaining.

[arm8200]

These two had incredible chemistry together. They're very sensual with each other without it being vulger, unlike now days where young girls have their breast and butt hanging out while they're dry humping a thug on stage is considered "dancing". I think these two are very sexy together.

[puigtt]

@arm8200 Congratulations! My coments were like your. This couple are very, very Maravilhosos!!!!

[juanbosco31]

Feliz Cumpleaños don Ricardo Montalban .....en la memoria

[aryankhan65]

Can anyone please inform that this beautiful dance is from which film? Would be really very grateful to that kind person.

[varadero1839]

@aryankhan65

Hello, aryankhan65! This is from 1947 film "Fiesta," not the 1st film for Ms. Charisse, but the very 1st from the very young Mexican, Ricardo Montalban in the USA. They performed together many times as the years went by, and remained friends until his death. Sadly, Cyd passed away not too long after Ricardo.

[logik316]

I can see Mr. Montalban had always kept himself in very good shape. No wonder he was able to kick Shatner's fat ass around later in Star Trek.

[doacarnage]

KKAAAAAAHHHHHHNN!!!!!!!!!!

[shadowmia22]

Marvelous! Bravo! Perfection! Would love to see choreography & dancing like this on SYTYCD & DWTS. Would love to see a hunk like Montelban on SYTYCD & DWTH, or anywherre else!

[varadero1839]

@shadowmia22 Hi shadomia22! Who knows? Maybe there's someone out there who might come close to his moves! I'm not even certain there's a choreographer who could emulate this performance! As for the dancing, these 2, though never an item, were the best of friends for around 40 years! Two more beautiful people were never conceived! Not unlike the beautiful couple from "Black Orpheus," these two friends died within less than a year of each other.

[peace2baby]

Montalban, what a stallion of a man! People forgot that he was a great dancer too! Sir, you and your amazing hotness are missed!

[varadero1839]

@peace2baby Sorry to be so late and say, Amen! Mr. Montalban, aided and abetted by his exquisite friend Cyd, really knew how to work his show. Though he always "downplayed" his ability as a dancer, even here in his 1st USA movie he proved he had the moves! Thanks for your comment!

[htrrz]

today with all the vulger grinding, spitting into microphones, gangbanger clothes seen in films today, the true beauty of latin, spainish, mexcian dance has all, but sadly dissappeared from entertainment. People in the media ignore, and forget the beauty of these clutures. Please keep posting, you might just influence some young person to this cluture of dance, and music.

[varadero1839]

@htrrz Wow! Where does your fan club meet? Thanks so much for your learned comment. I, for one, have never forgotten and have always been a big fan of Latin entertainment, be it from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean or Brasil. Very grateful for your gracious comment. My best wishes to you!!

[SarahAllen0814]

khaaaannn can DANCE!

[varadero1839]

@SarahAllen0814 He always could, and this was his first appearance in a Hollywood film! Both happily married to others, Ricardo and Cyd remained friends for decades! May they both Rest in Peace. Thanks for your comment!

[SarahAllen0814]

@varadero1839 Yeah - I saw this movie 25 years ago when I was on an Esther Williams kick... I've pretty much seen every old movie from 1935 to 1965...

I still can't believe Ricardo Montalban could dance! LOL He's not as good as Fred Astaire but he's got great style and Fred never had that "Spanish" style going on like RM does! :)

[shadowmia22]

@SarahAllen0814

In his own style & way of dance, Montelban's was every bit the equal of Astaire, Kelly, and even M. Jackson

[randomefan4ul]

que descanse en Paz, Por qué no hay mas bailarines como él ahora. que haran los des spy kids ahora

[varadero1839]

@randomefan4ul Creo que existen, pero nadie menos nosotros, tiene ganas de ver los! Gracias por su comentario! Me siento bien agradecido!

[lampang3]

thank you for this....what passes for talent nowadays is a very pale comparison at best for what once was

[varadero1839]

@lampang3 My sentiments exactly. Suggest that the talent of the day has to give away "pizza," and has somehow mesmerized the populace. Thank you for your learned comment.

[sleepytimegalz]

I Love this..they both r beautiful dancers..

[longn4longhair]

@longn4longhair Not sure why the comment was erased, but I love Cyd Charisse and that is goooorgeous!

[Dreamcatcherwrites]

Fantastic!! Man, can he dance!

[judyrusso]

Wow. This just blew me away. How in sync they are. I knew Cyd Charisse but I had no idea that Ricardo Montalban was a dancer from years back. He was incredible.

[futurebon]

Fantastic indeed!!

[geefunkstertron]

Love it!!!!!!!! So talented n not to mention handsome!!!!!! Miss him dearly!

[coisalinda09]

Que maravilla!

[sclogse1]

There's an early noir Anthony Mann film with Ricardo, called Border Incident, that shows how similar his face was to Sean Connery...he played an FBI guy infiltrating illegal immigration, etc. That film was great...powerful...all the movies you don't know about on the Warner Bros Noir box sets turn out to be amazingly good...and better than the one's we all know with Douglas and Mitchum. Anyway, if you look at the DVD cover of Never Say Never with Connery as Bond, you'll see

[pict18]

This dancing is superb!!!

[ninadax]

aaunque sea yanky se ve que nacio en Texas cerca de Mexico

[shadowmia22]

Cyd & Ricardo -- dynamite!!

[stephenjoeagi]

Immortal duo. They will always be in our hearts. Thank you for posting.

[flamencoprof]

Not to detract from their dance skills, but I think the word is "pastiche". If you freeze-frame at any moment you might think there is some kind of Spanish dance, maybe even Flamenco going in, but though they move well and assume some of the poses, sadly, it is just Hollywood. Reminds me of the "Native dances" in movies like the original "King Kong"

[bitbotbot]

You are quite right about this. As committed as the performance, it almost looks to me like they don't know what they're doing.

[bsw3222]

is that Angelna Lansbury at the start?!

[melodylingerson]

Varadero,

Do you have any clips of Ricardo Montalban, Rick Jason, & Vittorio Gassman singing "Eufemia" from the film "Sombrero"?...

[acla9000]

@melodylingerson Melody, the video you're looking for is 'Ricardo Montalban - Eufemia', on YouTube by Stephenjoagi. Happy Holidays!

[melodylingerson]

Thanks, I found it after I posted the comment below. I wish theyd release a box set of his movies not on DVD yet: ---Sombrero/ Latin Lovers/ Two Weeks With Love/ The Saracen Blade/ Mark Of The Renegade/ Mystery Street....There, that should be enough.

[acla9000]

Wow, you reminded it very well!! So do I!!

[cactusbound]

Why can't they show clips like this when takling about his career in show biz? He was more than just Mr. Rourke!!! De Plane, De Plane.

[barneslx]

Check out Ricardo! Awesome!

[xxluvables]

lovely dress

[olivejuice12]

holey moley what a frock!! lol i love this!

[margot9230]

What a great pair they were together. They had the looks the talent and charisma. There is no others that could match them.

[jellybean8811]

Terrific.  Full of fun

[factfinder4]

This was real Dancin With the Stars, and I'd love to see something like this on that show

[varadero1839]

Please, don't hold your breath waiting! Aside from having danced so beautifully together, their friendship continued for another 40-50 years. Thanks so much for you comment!

[factfinder4]

Well, maybe not on DWTS, but perhaps on So You Think You Can Dance. They claim to showcase all dance styles. I can dream, can't I

[snowgirl1052]

I love her dress. If I could design clothes and sew, I would copy this dress to the last stich. Had no idea that Ricardo Montoban could dance, and of course, Cyd is and was the hottest woman on this or any planet. RIP to these artists.

[DaniBongar]

What movie is this from?

[varadero1839]

Sorry to reply so late; please accept my apologies. This is from "Fiesta," which was Mr. Montalban's 1st real Hollywood gig. It's from 1947!

[twilson11208]

He was so beautiful ..as was dear lovely Cyd Charisse.

[oanis77]

I LOVE CYD CHARISSE.... but this is Flamenco Wanna be... she should not have!

[lawellins]

I agree, I adore her and dance Flamenco, it is not her llk. She had to do what was available to her, if she were around today she would have better dance roles to choose from. Adore her in Silk Stockings, especially Red Blues. Did a better female body ever exist?

[1voceunica]

She's not bad--anyway, it's kind of nice to see her less than amazing, so Montalban can gleam in his masterful flair! Wow. Such masculine grace!

[KleverGirl1]

What a gorgeous dress and a spectacular dance routine, very well rehearsed.

[grmacdonald]

oh what i do to have girls like that now..cyd rest in peace u will always be dancing in our hearts

[acla9000]

I certainly agree with that!

[1voceunica]

There are a few, but you have to keep your eyes open, the faith switch, on!

[ladynw777]

breathtaking

[bookkeeper57]

A revelation: had NO idea this dude could dance. About all I can remember of him is "jump in the pool, Esther" from all

the Esther Williams films he was in.

[vaness1200a]

What kind of dance is it?

[acla9000]

If I'm not wrong, it was his first movie at MGM.

[Maestrojosh87]

Is this from Fiesta?

[varadero1839]

Si Señor!

[margot9230]

Ricardo and Cyd are in a cllass all by themselves. What a joy to watch these two dance. What a shame that they did'nt do more.

[toydog16r]

What song do they dace to?

[ogkeedah]

Digging this so much!!!!

[Mod60s]

She was a living doll! I wish I had a real woman like that now! She truly exemplified style, beauty grace and class! This was an era we may never see again.

[1voceunica]

@Mod60s There are a few, just having a hard time finding you! :) Seriously (apparently). Most girls/women like her are considered uptight or backward by today's standards... What people don't understand is that her sensuality is wonderful because it's not on sale. One never gets the impression she's trying to seduce you over her husband, just a fully aware, talented, boundary-conscious woman.

[1voceunica]

@Mod60s Ci sono quelle donne, ma si sentono strane (anche a volte a se stessi) in questi tempi senza metafore dell' amore; mi ha caputo lei? Non voglio essere orgoliosa, ma io cerco d'essere una donna cosi, ma e difficile trovare il quale che a lui piace cosi... Buona notte.

[izarob]

XD They dance a "Jota" as if it was flamenco... XDXDXDXD

[revolooshin]

Ricardo's the man

[jumpthestump]

I agree. Take a look at what dancing is and how the young (not to generalize) view their women.

[027Mando]

that is a man who knows how to dance with a woman

[tjcbn]

This is not cyd charrise!!!!

[twilson11208]

Sure as hell is Cyd Charisse, no one can be that gorgeous! Well, except the man she's dancing with.

[twilson11208]

Hate to burst your bubble but look at her face upclose. However, the body and the moves alone says CYD. I don't think the credits are going to lie about the actress as her name is included in the film associated with the character. Get over it.

[jumpthestump]

Ricardo was modest and looked handsome when he was young but I dont get this. Maybe because its because Im young, but is this suppose to be entertaining?

[totalronnie]

Being young it's not the same as being stupid.A dancing scene as the good old Hollywood used to do at his best time.

[twilson11208]

It's probably a cultural and generational thing. However, not much today in terms of pop culture can compare to it in terms of class and beauty.

[DevilzAdvocate84]

Wonderful video- what movie is this from?

[geraldoeuclide1940]

Charise Mantalbam outra vez fantasticos! ate breve

[varadero1839]

Muito obrigado! Eles nunca serão esquecidos.

[findesemanayaburrida]

RIP Ricardo Montalban

*I want that dress

[acla9000]

Farewell, Don Ricardo, and thank you for the great moments we're given with your talent!!

[tinyliltodler]

It is NOT Esther Williams it's Cyd Charise. He never danced with Esther Williams because she wasn't known for her dancing but he did sing the duet Baby It's Cold Outside with her in the movie Neptunes Daughter.

[ReneODeay]

this is Esther Williams not Cyd Charrise.

[RockyBalboa211]

god bless him!

[siimpatiko]

R.I.P ricardo

[JimL1137]

We'll miss you Ricardo !!

[parttimelover2day]

I thought Mr. Montalban was one of the most sexiest actors that ever lived. I was very devastated when I heard about his death this evening. May he and Ms. Cyd Charisse rest in peace.

[ibtnm25]

A true Hollwwood classic leading man. Such presence.

[cohatlan]

RIP RICARDO MONTALBAN.

[AmbientMusic]

Could we have any more 'good news' these days? Ugg!!! RIP Ricardo!

[shakmooll]

*sigh*

No more Corinthian leather or trips to Fantasy Island.

[Ambidexter143]

That is one of the most sensual dances I've ever seen.

[BerettaStormPX4]

She made it look easy. RIP Ricardo.

[faren31]

Great clip. What movie is it from?

[amesmb]

RIP both. :-(

[huntress1863]

Sad news today: Last year we lost Cyd Charisse, now Ricardo Montalban has passed away at the age of 88. Such an incredible talent will be missed today!

[ccaammiiittoo]

Charisse was often described by reviewers as "exotic." Can anyone tell me was it about her that was "exotic"? I'm confused!

[Lcacique]

She did not look like a gringa.

[ccaammiiittoo]

But Yvette Memieux did look like a "gringa" but, in fact, was half Mexican. So where do we go now?

[Lcacique]

We do not have to go anywhere. In this day and age, most female stars were of very light complexion with light colored hair. Women that did not have these features often changed their hair color to fit the mold. I am not advocating that she is exotic, I am simply pointing out why others would call her exotic (correctly or incorrectly).

[ccaammiiittoo]

You may have a point! But as an amateur photographer, all I can say to justify going to light colored hair is that it's easier to work with from a photo point of view than dark, say, black, hair. But light or dark hair Charisse, to me, was classic American! And from Texas, to boot.

[Lcacique]

Cool. While she was born in Texas, I would imagine that her parents were immigrants. In addition, exotic does not have to mean foreign. It also means different. And she certainly was different from a lot of other performers.

Finally, dubbing her "exotic" may have been a marketing ploy to put more butts in the seats. Who knows?

[ccaammiiittoo]

Great commentary! And I guess you're aware that we've just lost Montalban who was involved in a menage a trois with Charisse and Ann Miller -- dance menage a trois, that is. Thanks again.

[Lcacique]

No need to thank me. I am just following your lead and exploring why someone would have called her exotic. If anything thank you for being open minded and kind enough to consider my opinions. Yes, I know that we have lost Montalban. I was watching his old Cordoba car commercial as it is a silly nostalgic memory I have of him and decided to watch a few of his dance clips. I'll be honest, it is not something I usually go for; however, no on can deny the talent of this couple. Good stuff!

[ccaammiiittoo]

Yes, by all means, let's strive to keep an open mind. The world becomes lovely when we do!

[mca1218]

It might've had to do with the fact that she was often cast exotic in the first few films she did. In 'Fiesta,' 'Sombrero,' and 'On An Island With You,' she was cast as a Latina (despite being an American from Amarillo, TX). In her youth, she was not just brunette, but had raven black hair and brown eyes and it seemed she was perennially tanned. MGM probably thought they'd market her more easily as an exotic. Plus, I imagine it didn't hurt that she and Montalban danced beautifully together!!

[ccaammiiittoo]

Thank you. I have friends who are students of the dance who say that at the end of the end, after watching Charisse on screen, all they remember is from neck down, completely taken with her technique. They say they remember nothing of her face. But that's an interesting point about marketing her as "exotic." Either way, she was just great. My favorite duet is the "Heather on the Hill" duet with none other than Gene Kelly. A magnificent woman and human being.

[cosmicarainia]

I don't think it was her exotic looks, so much as she was a prima ballerina! She could do it as no one else could!

[64102256]

Love It. What fantastic dancing. They were both terrific. Thanks for posting.

[Minkelu]

Lovely. Thanks for sharing this.

[varadero1839]

Mil Gracias!!!

[3muimui]

Gorgeous!

[varadero1839]

Meant that "Mil Gracias" for 3muimui...sorry, jumped the gun!!