Gypsy Carmen drives men wild in 1820s Spain, especially the dragoon Don Jose.
Rita Hayworth
Carmen
Glenn Ford
Don José
Ron Randell
Andrés
Victor Jory
García
Luther Adler
Dancaire
Arnold Moss
Colonel
Joseph Buloff
Remendado
Margaret Wycherly
Old Crone
Bernard Nedell
Pablo
John Baragrey
Lucas
Director
Charles Vidor
Screenplay
Helen Deutsch
Story
Prosper Mérimée
December 27, 2022
6
Glenn Ford is "Lizarabengoa", a rather respectable soldier who joins his new regiment in Córdoba. He is quickly introduced to the sultry charms of local gypsy "Carmen" (Rita Hayworth) which sets him against his colonel (Arnold Moss) and after a bit of swordplay, he finds himself joining her and the gang of petty banditos led by "Garcia" (Victor Jory) with whom he vies for her affections. "Carmen" isn't exactly a one-woman-man though, and is also keen on local toreador "Lucas" (John Baragrey) and the scenario starts to fulminate when our gallant officer must try to reclaim her love whilst dealing with the jealous "Garcia" and the pursuing soldiers chasing the killer of their commanding officer. Hayward is well off her best here - even when she is dancing. In fact, the whole story could hardly be farther from anything imagined by Georges Bizet. Is there chemistry between the two or do we just want there to be because they were off-screen lovers, apparently? Well I couldn't say - Ford was always little better than a rather static, safe pair of hands, and I think both roles here called for someone grittier, more natural and visceral. The production is fine, but after the first fifteen/twenty minutes it all turns a little too melodramatic for me.
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00