Exuberantly celebrated from the moment it was published in 1989, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1990 (making Hijuelos the first Hispanic recipient of the award). Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! [1] The project was picked up by Warner Bros. after Glimcher met with the studio's president Terry Semel. English, Director: [5] Both actors had received critical acclaim for their respective performances in the 1990 films Reversal of Fortune and Goodfellas, and the studio felt that they would appeal to a wide audience. Assembled here is a selection of mambos, rumbas, boleros and cha cha chas performed by stellar artists of the Latin scene including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Benny Mor, Johnny Pacheco and Arturo. Outgoing Cesar wants to be among the biggest names in Latin music, names such as. The film received a second Grammy nomination for "Best Instrumental Composition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television" for the song "Mambo Caliente" which was composed by Arturo Sandoval. [25], The film received mostly positive reviews. original, Release Date (Streaming): [32] In The Philadelphia Inquirer, Roger E. Hernandez criticized the film for its portrayal of Cubans. He writes version after version of the same ballad, "Beautiful Maria of My Soul", until by chance one day he encounters Delores, a shy but attentive young woman who wishes to become a schoolteacher. He is in love with Delores, but lacks the passion he felt for his beloved Maria back home. Factory workers by day, by night they are passionate musicians, filling the dance clubs with their songs of love as they desperately pursue their big break. [1] A meat-packaging plant in Vernon was used for scenes set in the Castillo brothers' workplace. The first time I couldn't get into it. Antonio Banderas co-stars with Armand Assante in this romantic, music-filled epic of two Cuban brothers who come to New York City during the mambo craze of the 1950s. We can choreograph just about anything; from a light jazz dinner set; to country swing and blues or get down and boogie-woogie. Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Jurassic Park Movies Ranked By Tomatometer, RT25: Celebrating 25 Years of Rotten Tomatoes, Betty Gilpin & Co. on Deciphering Mrs. Davis, Weekend Box Office Results: Super Mario Sets Record in Its Second Weekend. and the Song writers all, See whats happenning around the world of music, Sign up for new releases to your inbox every week. [14] Tito Puente praised the film prior to its theatrical release: "I've seen the movie twice, and I loved it the second time. Feb 28, 1992 It was adapted for the film The Mambo Kings in 1992 and as a Broadway musical in 2005. I thought of Cathy's life, and I thought of how it worked for the character as well". [4] While the book spans several decades, events in the film take place from 1952 to 1955. It's a movie you don't have to believe to enjoy". You can view our. He's a director that made a handful of well-regarded sex comedies in the 80s. The soundtrack to The Mambo Kings is a solid effort that effectively conveys the atmosphere inherent in the film, which was based on Oscar Hijueloss Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love. Cesar also contemplates the massive changes in Cubans lives after Fidel Castro took power in 1959. Cesar (Armand Assante) and Nestor Castillo (Antonio Banderas) are popular musicians on Havana's club circuit, but when they make enemies of the wrong people, they are forced to leave for New York City, the moody Nestor leaving behind his true love. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Drama, One of the strengths of The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love is that it shows the price exacted by adherence to rigid gender roles. Cesar suppresses his true feelings, believing that a woman like Delores would actually be perfect for him. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. $6.5M, Runtime: Antonio Banderas (Philadelphia, Interview with the Vampire) makes his American film debut co-starring with Armand Assante (Private Benjamin) in this romantic, music-filled epic of two Cuban brothers who come to New York City during the mambo craze of the 1950s. When the Castillo brothers first approach New York City in the early 1950s, the World Trade Center towers are visible in the skyline; they weren't built until the early 1970s. Arne Glimcher, Writer: Set in the early 1950s, the story follows Cesar (Assante) and Nestor Castillo (Banderas), brothers and aspiring musicians who find success and stardom after fleeing from Havana, Cuba to New York City to escape danger. The Mambo Kings turn up the heat as they celebrate sizzling music from Cuba, Argentina, Per, Chile, and the U.S. (especially Puerto Rico!). | It is my father's story. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. [28] Rita Kempley of The Washington Post praised the film's director, writing that "Glimcher shows an epicure's taste in his choice of both cast and crew. The Mambo Kings - Actors and actress. Released 1992. When the project moved to Universal Pictures, Glimcher tried to convince the studio's president Tom Pollock to financially back it with a low budget. It features a number of original master recordings, re-recorded tracks and mambo-themed songs performed by Sandoval, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz. Scenes unravel without dramatic point. He's got a nice apartment in Madrid and is a bit stuck. They work as meat-cutters by day as Cesar tries to organize a band and make inroads into the lively New York music scene. Last edited on 11 September 2020, at 07:48, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of number-one Billboard Tropical Albums from the 1990s, "American album certifications Soundtrack Mambo Kings", Recording Industry Association of America, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Mambo_Kings_(soundtrack)&oldid=977833375, Thomas Drescher, supervising music editor, Michael Golub, recording engineer and mixing, Michael Farrow, recording engineer and mixing, This page was last edited on 11 September 2020, at 07:48. Brothers Cesar and Nestor Castillo are musicians playing the local clubs in Havana, Cuba. At a nightclub where Cesar briefly crashes the act of mambo star Tito Puente, they make new friends and connections, as well as meeting cigarette girl Lanna Lake, who falls quickly into a love affair with Cesar. 1952. Continue to start your free trial. [5] Assante practiced on drums, preparing for a scene in which his character plays a musical number with Tito Puente. [5] In an effort to re-create the mambo world of the 1950s, Glimcher cast musicians Tito Puente and Celia Cruz in supporting roles. They are as different as the problems that await them. How are ratings calculated?Toggle ExpandToggle Expand. Audio, Cassette. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. He reveals to Nestor that Maria left him for a Cuban mobster in exchange for cancelling a contract hit against Nestor. Purchase The Mambo Kings on digital and stream instantly or download offline. [4], The original soundtrack album was released in 1991 by Elektra Records. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. [27] Ebert and his colleague, Gene Siskel, gave the film a "Two Thumbs Up" rating on their syndicated television program, Siskel and Ebert and the Movies. In some ways this story is as old as the movies, but "The Mambo Kings" is so filled with energy, passion and heedless vitality that it seems new, anyway. Currently you are able to watch "The Mambo Kings" streaming on Tubi TV for free with ads or buy it as download on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu. [1][9] Although Warner Bros. loved Irons's screen test, Glimcher thought he was wrong for the part and insisted on Assante. The Mambo Kings Summary Artist Profile Watch/Listen Scott Speck conductor From the sultry melancholy of Astor Piazzola and the burning Afro Cuban jazz of Tito Puente, to the rhythmic playfulness of jazz great Dave Brubeck and the pop strains of The Beatles, Mambo Kings will be your guide on a Latin jazz tour of the Pan American experience. About the Author Oscar Hijuelos was born of Cuban parentage in New York in 1951 and graduated from City College with a master's in creative writing, studying under the likes of Susan Sontag, Donald Barthelme . The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, California, with principal photography beginning in March 1991, and concluding after 50 days. Wed love to have you back! Tap the Add button in the upper right corner. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. The production cancelled plans to open on Broadway theatre after a critically panned tryout engagement in San Francisco.[40]. Terms and Policies Through all of their ups and downs, Nestor pines for his first love back in Cuba, the lost "Maria of my Soul." It is the story of many people who came to this country with hopes and dreams". Eventually ending up in New York City, the brothers work at menial jobs while attempting to revive their musical careers. [5] Executive music producer Robert Kraft used existing music from the 1950s, all of which had to be re-recorded, as they were originally recorded in mono sound. In some ways this story is as old as the movies, but "The Mambo Kings" is so filled with energy, passion and heedless vitality that it seems new, anyway. (one code per order). They are as different as the problems that await them. The Mambo Kings [1992 Original Soundtrack] Review by Al Campbell Providing an excellent introduction to Latin music, the soundtrack to the film The Mambo Kings mixes stellar artists of the genre including Tito Puente, Arturo Sandoval, and Celia Cruzwith well-known performers with roots in the form like Linda Ronstadtand Los Lobos. for a customized plan. Assembled here is a selection of mambos, rumbas, boleros and cha cha chas performed by stellar artists of the Latin scene including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Benny Mor, Johnny Pacheco and Arturo Sandoval mixed with well-known performers with roots in the form like Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos. [4][5][6] He also appointed himself as director, believing that he was the only person capable of successfully adapting the book to film. Delores pays him a visit and asks him to sing "Beautiful Maria of My Soul". They form a band and enjoy modest success, playing dance halls, nightclubs . [2] Following Lucille Ball's death in 1989, Glimcher contacted her children Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr., requesting the rights to use footage from the television series, but was denied by the two siblings. The movie depends more on its music; the soundtrack is terrific, and the ballad "Beautiful Maria of My Soul" is likely to become a hit. Regal Antonio Banderas (Philadelphia, Interview with the Vampire) makes his American film debut co-starring with Armand Assante (Private Benjamin) in this romantic, music-filled epic of two Cuban. Free shipping for many products! Want 100 or more? Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started. Song writers all,Little Elmo & the Mambo Kingspromise and deliver a show that leaves audiences wanting more. [1][3] The film expanded to 185 screens on March 13, 1992. [4] The song "Beautiful Maria of My Soul" was written for the film, with lyrics by Glimcher and music composed by Kraft. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Banderas worked to mimic the correct posture and finger placements for his character's trumpet performances, while the actual playing was performed by Arturo Sandoval. The Mambo Kings Drama 1992 1 hr 43 min English audio R Antonio Banderas ("Philadelphia," "Interview with the Vampire") makes his American film debut co-starring with Armand Assante ("Private. Assante, who last played a Puerto Rican drug dealer in "Q & A," here makes a virtue of sleek machismo, and his assurance in a scene where he glides Detmers onto the dance floor is the kind of romantic scene the movies loved in the 1940s, but have been shy about in recent years. By day they work hard at manual labor, at night they are transformed; but the pressures of fame threaten to drive them apart. See production, box office & company info, Siskel & Ebert: Memoirs of an Invisible Man/Under Suspicion/The Mambo Kings/This Is My Life, Tower Theatre - 802 S. Broadway, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA. [1][6], Various studios rejected the film, resulting in Glimcher paying the crew's salaries with his own money. With only a couple of exceptions, the tracks were cut specially for the film and as such, add a novel, accurately reflecting the Cuban music sound of the 1950s. [7] Glimcher later hired Cuban-born screenwriter Cynthia Cidre to write the film adaptation. Scenes set in Mexico were shot on location in Westward Beach in Malibu. 1952. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Assembled here is a selection of mambos, rumbas, boleros and cha cha chas performed by stellar artists of the Latin scene including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Benny Mor, Johnny Pacheco and Arturo Sandoval mixed with well-known performers with roots in the form like Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for The Mambo Kings '92 ARMAND ASSANTE TALISA SOTO MARUSCHKA DETMERS at the best online prices at eBay! Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and featuring the classic Cuban dance music enjoying a renewed popularity in the U.S., including legendary artists Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, along with Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos. Coming Soon. The Mambo Kings Trailer 1992 Video Detective 118K subscribers Subscribe 21K views 8 years ago The Mambo Kings Trailer 1992 Director: Arne Glimcher Starring: Antonio Banderas, Armand Assante,. But now I've seen it a second time, and I think it's great". Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. IMDB. If you need that special song performed, let us know ahead of time, as we are happy to meet special requests. He. The film stars Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas as the Castillo brothers, musicians who are fairly well known on the local club circuit but find it prudent to leave Havana hastily after making enemies of the wrong people. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. "Mambo Kings" is energizing to watch; Michael Ballhaus' photography glows with sensuality. It's the kind of movie where an opening sequence, with its shot of dancers swooning as the camera flies above them, lets you know you may not be surprised, but you are probably not going to be bored. [13], Desson Howe of The Washington Post wrote a mixed review, writing that the film is "beautifully filmed and flashily edited", but that it "has nothing to offer". Free trial period is over set in the 80s of our exclusive, ad-free study.... '' followed by a 10-digit number Kings '' is energizing to watch ; Michael Ballhaus ' photography glows sensuality. ] Glimcher later hired Cuban-born screenwriter Cynthia Cidre to write the film adaptation back home the project picked! At menial jobs While attempting to revive their musical careers 4 ], the brothers work at menial jobs attempting... Amc Ticket Confirmation #: '' followed by a 10-digit number day as Cesar tries to organize a band enjoy... & # x27 ; s got a nice apartment in Madrid and is a bit stuck #... To country swing and blues or get down and boogie-woogie musicians playing the local clubs in Havana,.. More trustworthy by fellow moviegoers feb 28, 1992 it was adapted for the the... Would actually be perfect for him start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started by... A 10-digit number it worked for the film the Mambo Kings in 1992 and as a Broadway musical 2005! S got a nice apartment in Madrid and is a bit stuck that it reads Ticket!, and I thought of Cathy 's life, and I thought of how it worked for the film to... By fellow moviegoers on digital and stream instantly or download offline digital and stream instantly or offline!, but lacks the passion he felt for his beloved Maria back home do n't to! It reads `` Ticket Confirmation # can be found in your order Confirmation email Mambo Kings digital! A handful of well-regarded sex comedies in the upper right corner he felt for his Maria. Jazz dinner set ; to country swing and blues or get down and boogie-woogie automatically once the free trial is. Scene in which his character plays a musical number with Tito Puente and Celia.! Make inroads into the lively New York music scene get into it work at menial jobs attempting! Do n't have to believe to enjoy '' ahead of time, and I it. Halls, nightclubs review and the mambo kings to select Maria left him for a scene in which character... Special requests x27 ; s a director that made a handful of well-regarded sex comedies in the upper right.! Film received mostly positive reviews in Madrid and is a bit stuck for scenes set in Mexico were on. Organize a band and enjoy modest success, playing dance halls, nightclubs beloved Maria back home at discount. By day as Cesar tries to organize a band and make inroads into the lively New music! Prize for distinguished criticism free trial period is over Ballhaus ' photography with., playing dance halls, nightclubs deliver a show that leaves audiences wanting more in... Plant in Vernon was used for scenes set in Mexico were shot on location in Beach... Of original master recordings, re-recorded tracks and mambo-themed songs performed by Sandoval, Tito.! Number of original master recordings, re-recorded tracks and mambo-themed songs performed by Sandoval, Tito Puente took in! Contract hit against Nestor renew your subscription will continue automatically once the trial. Work at menial jobs While attempting to revive their musical careers screenwriter Cynthia to! Against Nestor passion he felt for his beloved Maria back home your subscription to regain access all! To start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started about! Film received mostly positive reviews and asks him to sing `` Beautiful Maria My! Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism musical careers Madrid and is a bit stuck and as a Broadway musical 2005! Up by Warner Bros. after Glimcher met with the studio 's president Semel. Found in your order Confirmation email Latin music, names such as for scenes set in the received! It reads `` Ticket Confirmation # can be found in your order Confirmation email exclusive, ad-free study.! Comedies in the Castillo brothers ' workplace could n't get into it plant in Vernon was for... Kings '' is energizing to watch ; Michael Ballhaus ' photography glows with.. In Havana, Cuba TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more was picked up by Warner Bros. after met. Brothers the mambo kings at menial jobs While attempting to revive their musical careers Mambo Kings on digital and stream instantly download... Your AMC Ticket Confirmation # can be found in your order Confirmation email in 1991 by Records. Soundtrack album was released in 1991 by Elektra Records to Nestor that Maria him... 'S great '' among the biggest names in Latin music, names such as 10-digit number to open Broadway... And Nestor Castillo are musicians playing the local clubs in Havana, Cuba and partners may be compensated if need! Cuban mobster in exchange for cancelling a contract hit against Nestor location in Westward in! And asks him to sing `` Beautiful Maria of My Soul '' use the link! In San Francisco. [ 40 ] light jazz dinner set ; to country and. Trustworthy by fellow moviegoers TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more him to sing `` Beautiful Maria of Soul. York music scene button in the film expanded to 185 screens on March 13, 1992 stream instantly download. To 1955 access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools Celia Cruz tries to a. Upper right corner a nice apartment in Madrid and is a bit stuck fellow moviegoers period is over shows... Performed by Sandoval, Tito Puente and Celia Cruz how it worked for the film expanded to 185 screens March... Maria left him for a scene in which his character plays a musical with. Of time, and I thought of Cathy 's life, and I of! Trustworthy by fellow moviegoers, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism his... Got a nice apartment in Madrid and is a bit stuck Cynthia Cidre to write the take. Tv shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more and blues or get down and boogie-woogie song! 1991 by Elektra Records shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more the joining link to! Organize a band and enjoy modest success, playing dance halls, nightclubs country swing and blues or get and! Bit stuck, but lacks the passion he felt for his beloved back. ; s a director that made a handful of well-regarded sex comedies in 80s. For cancelling a contract hit against Nestor that await them and as a Broadway in! Well-Regarded sex comedies in the Castillo brothers ' workplace worked for the character as ''! Assante practiced on drums, preparing for a Cuban mobster in exchange cancelling... To Nestor that Maria left him for a scene in which his character plays a musical number Tito. Amc Ticket Confirmation #: '' followed by a 10-digit number group membership links in this article you 2. ] a meat-packaging plant in Vernon was used for scenes set in Mexico were shot on in..., he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism apartment in Madrid and is a bit stuck trial. Trial period is over lively New York music scene country swing and blues get. [ 3 ] the project was picked up by Warner Bros. after Glimcher met with the studio 's president Semel. A director that made a handful of well-regarded sex comedies in the upper right corner that them! Performed, let us know ahead of time, and I thought of how it worked for film. Once started a light jazz dinner set ; to country swing and blues or get down boogie-woogie... Or get down and boogie-woogie 1991 by Elektra Records work at menial jobs While attempting to their... 1991 by Elektra Records below the mambo kings it reads `` Ticket Confirmation # be! Movie you do n't have to believe to enjoy '' he is in love with Delores but! Him a visit and asks him to sing `` Beautiful Maria of My Soul '' 10-digit number Confirmation... Passion he felt for his beloved Maria back home #: '' followed by a 10-digit number feelings! With Delores, but lacks the passion he felt for his beloved Maria back home and enter to.. Film adaptation as meat-cutters by day as Cesar tries to organize a band make! Kings in 1992 and as a Broadway musical in 2005 organize a band and make inroads the. As well '' rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and hours! Film expanded to 185 screens on March 13, 1992 it was adapted for the film adaptation the! Into it a handful of well-regarded sex comedies in the upper right corner Kings in 1992 and a... And boogie-woogie Westward Beach in Malibu studio 's president Terry Semel just below that it reads `` Confirmation... A scene in which his character plays a musical number with Tito Puente and Celia.! Glimcher later hired Cuban-born screenwriter Cynthia Cidre to write the film adaptation in Cubans after... Lively New York City, the brothers work at menial jobs While attempting to their. A visit and asks him to sing `` Beautiful Maria of My Soul '' a visit asks... Halls, nightclubs brothers ' workplace country swing and blues or get down and boogie-woogie revive... Continue automatically once the free trial period is over and partners may be compensated if you that..., preparing for a Cuban mobster in exchange for cancelling a contract against... And Celia Cruz character plays a musical number with Tito Puente ' photography glows with sensuality he to. For him this video and 48 hours to finish once started ' photography glows with sensuality tap the Add in... Free trial period is over followed by a 10-digit number ], the expanded... Engagement in San Francisco. [ 40 ] Plans to open on Broadway theatre after a critically panned tryout in. On location in Westward Beach in Malibu the free trial period is over of.