The U.S. Ambassador's (Walter Pidgeon) daughter falls for a Mexican pianist (Jose Iturbi) old enough to be her grandfather.The U.S. Ambassador's (Walter Pidgeon) daughter falls for a Mexican pianist (Jose Iturbi) old enough to be her grandfather.The U.S. Ambassador's (Walter Pidgeon) daughter falls for a Mexican pianist (Jose Iturbi) old enough to be her grandfather.
José Iturbi
- José Iturbi
- (as Jose Iturbi)
William 'Bill' Phillips
- Sam, Evans' Chauffeur
- (as Wm. "Bill" Phillips)
Ed Agresti
- Guest
- (uncredited)
Leon Belasco
- Orchestra Leader
- (uncredited)
Brooks Benedict
- Dance Extra
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaContrary to rumor, a young Fidel Castro does not appear as an extra. The rumor grew from two sources: his yearbook, in which teachers noted that he was "somewhat of an actor," and a 1943 interview where Xavier Cugat cryptically referred to one of his dancers becoming "a South American general." In his 1948, Cugat references being an acquaintance of Huber Benitez, who later became a General and supporter of Fulgencio Batista, whom Castro overthrew in 1959.
- GoofsAfter her party, Christine and her father are talking in her room. There is a close-up of the drawing of her father. In later shots, it is a different picture. The face in the picture is at a different angle.
- Quotes
Stanley Owen: Christine, what happened to your face? Why you look so horrible ?
Christine Evans: What ? Oh that's because I'm not dressed yet that's all. All girls look like this before they're dressed.
Stanley Owen: They do? Christine, I think that's deceitful
Yvette Baranga: Bon soir Stanley.
Stanley Owen: Yvette, before you are dressed, do you look horrible?
- Alternate versions"Why So Gloomy?", a musical number featuring Jane Powell and a Chinese boy, was cut from the film. It is included in the "Musical Jukebox" feature of the 2004 That's Entertainment! DVD box set.
- ConnectionsEdited into Moments in Music (1950)
- SoundtracksI Think of You
(uncredited)
Music based on "Piano Concerto No.2" by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Music Adaptation and Lyrics by Jack Elliott & Don Marcotte
Featured review
Colorful and breezy, but it never really gets out of Culver City.
Randall Brandt is exactly right. This is a "Holiday in Mexico"? Produced by MGM at the height of its power, glory, not to mention financial resources, and yet the darned thing never gets outside a Culver City sound stage? Couldn't they at least have sent a camera crew to Mexico City to film some establishing shots in the major thoroughfares, parks, museums, etc.? Very disappointing.
This might just as well have been titled "Holiday in Burbank."
As to the story, it's flimsy at best. In its favor is the rich Technicolor photography which has never been equaled, plus some good musical numbers. The cast is good, with Walter Pidgeon in his most ambassadorial form as the father of the spunky young Jane Powell. Jose Iturbi and his sister play some great piano, as well!
Worth viewing, though at 128 minutes it's a bit long. "Holiday in Mexico" is an example of how Hollywood used to view (or didn't view) other countries.
This might just as well have been titled "Holiday in Burbank."
As to the story, it's flimsy at best. In its favor is the rich Technicolor photography which has never been equaled, plus some good musical numbers. The cast is good, with Walter Pidgeon in his most ambassadorial form as the father of the spunky young Jane Powell. Jose Iturbi and his sister play some great piano, as well!
Worth viewing, though at 128 minutes it's a bit long. "Holiday in Mexico" is an example of how Hollywood used to view (or didn't view) other countries.
helpful•63
- bill-790
- Jun 8, 2010
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Ball in der Botschaft
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime2 hours 8 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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