Holiday in Havana

Holiday in Havana is a 1949 American ^[1] musical comedy film directed by Jean Yarbrough, and starring Desi Arnaz, Mary Hatcher and Ann Doran. The film is about a Cuban hotel busboy (Arnaz) who dreams of becoming a composer. According to author Mary Beltrán, in his portrayal of Carlos Estrada, Arnaz "established a successful negotiation of tensions inherent in playing a Latin romantic lead in this period, a negotiation that set the stage for what would make Ricky Ricardo so popular with American viewers.^[2] His music, with songs such as "Holiday in Havana" and the "Arnaz Jam" featured in the film.

Holiday in Havana
Directed by	Jean Yarbrough
Written by	Karen DeWolf Robert Lees Frederic I. Rinaldo
Story by	Morton Grant
Produced by	Ted Richmond
Starring	Desi Arnaz Mary Hatcher Ann Doran
Cinematography	Vincent J. Farrar
Edited by	Henry Batista
Music by	Paul Mertz
Production company	Columbia Pictures
Distributed by	Columbia Pictures
Release date	October 15, 1949 (1949-10-15)
Running time	73 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Plot

The story about the difficult role of a Cuban bandleader Carlos Estrada. His romantic vis-a-vis is a peppery dancer named Lolita Valdez. Just before the lovers participate in a gala Havana festival, Carlos has a lot of explaining to do when Lolita catches him in the arms of another.^[3]

Cast

• Desi Arnaz as Carlos Estrada
• Mary Hatcher as Lolita Valdez (Dolores)
• Ann Doran as Marge Henley
• Steven Geray as Lopez
• Minerva Urecal as Mama Valdez
• Sig Arno as Pepe
• Ray Walker as Sam Keegan
• Nacho Galindo as Police Sergeant