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La Bamba (1987) 6.6
Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash. Director:Luis ValdezWriter:Luis Valdez |
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Title: La Bamba (1987)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Lou Diamond Phillips | ... | ||
| Esai Morales | ... |
Bob Morales
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| Rosanna DeSoto | ... |
Connie Valenzuela
(as Rosana De Soto)
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| Elizabeth Peña | ... |
Rosie Morales
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| Danielle von Zerneck | ... |
Donna Ludwig
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| Joe Pantoliano | ... |
Bob Keane
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Rick Dees | ... |
Ted Quillin
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Marshall Crenshaw | ... | |
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Howard Huntsberry | ... | |
| Brian Setzer | ... | ||
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Daniel Valdez | ... |
Lelo
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Felipe Cantu | ... |
Curandero
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Eddie Frias | ... |
Chino
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| Mike Moroff | ... |
Mexican Ed
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Geoffrey Rivas | ... |
Rudy
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
This is the true story of Ritchie Valens, a young rock & roll singer who tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 17. The film follows Ritchie from his days in Pacoima, California where he and his family make a meager living working on farms to his rise as a star. The film also focuses on Richie's friendship and rivalry with his older brother Bob and his relationship with Donna, his girlfriend. Written by Mattias Pettersson <seaman@sbbs.se>
Taglines:
Talent made him a star, fate made him a legend. The true story of Ritchie Valens. See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
24 July 1987 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Let's Go See more »Filming Locations:
Cowboy Palace Saloon - 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Box Office
Budget:
$6,500,000 (estimated)Gross:
$54,215,416 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Performed by Daniel Valdez
Words & Music by Daniel Valdez
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
One of the cartoon characters seen on the wall of Bob's basement studio is Oswald the Rabbit, the early Disney character that was later modified and became Mickey Mouse. See more »Goofs
When Bob says, "You had me locked out," when he is locked outside his house, his lips aren't moving. See more »Crazy Credits
Caption starting off the music credits: "We greatfully acknowledge the help and support of the Valenzuela family". See more »Soundtracks
"Corrido del Compadre"Performed by Daniel Valdez
Words & Music by Daniel Valdez
See more »
Ritchie Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips) is a very poor Mexican-American living with his family in a slum in Paicoma, California. When he is sixteen years old, his half-brother Bob Morales (Esai Morales) is released from the jail and comes back home, bringing money enough for the family to move from the slums to a humble house in a better place. Ritchie goes to the nearby high-school, where he falls in love for Donna (Danielle von Zerneck). Donna, together with his mother Connie Valenzuela (Rosanna DeSoto), his family and his guitar, are the passions of Ritchie. Bob Keene (Joe Pantoliano), president of Del-Fi Records in Hollywood, invites Ritchie to record a single and offers him a recording contract. His first single (`Come On Let's Go') is a great success, and Bob Keene becomes Ritchie's manager. The next songs (`Donna' and `La Bamba') are also very successful and Ritchie Valens becomes famous, earning lots of money. While traveling making shows along USA, he decides to accept an invitation of Buddy Holly to fly back home. A tragic plane crash on 03 Feb 1959 ends the life of this promising seventeen years old singer, along with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. The dramatization of Ritchie Valens' life is presented like a soap-opera, full of beautiful songs, and it is very pleasant to watch this film. Lou Diamond Phillips has (maybe) his best performance as actor, but Esai Morales is wonderful as his big brother. The touching story looks like a fairy tale, having a tragic end. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): `La Bamba'