The Mambo Kings (1992)

Two Cuban brothers bring a new music to the 1950s USA. They are as different as the problems that await them.

Director:

Arne Glimcher

Writers:

Oscar Hijuelos (novel), Cynthia Cidre (screenplay)

Stars:

Armand Assante, Antonio Banderas, Pablo Calogero

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Pablo Calogero	...	Ramon - The Mambo Kings Band
Scott Cohen	...	Bernardito - The Mambo Kings Band
Mario Grillo	...	Mario - The Mambo Kings Band
Ralph Irizarry	...	Pito - The Mambo Kings Band
Pete Macnamara	...	Johnny Bing - The Mambo Kings Band
James Medina	...	Manny - The Mambo Kings Band (as Jimmy Medina)
Marcos Quintanilla	...	Willie - The Mambo Kings Band
J.T. Taylor	...	Frankie Suarez - The Mambo Kings Band
William Thomas Jr.	...	Xavier - The Mambo Kings Band
Yul Vazquez	...	Flaco - The Mambo Kings Band
Armand Assante	...	Cesar Castillo
Antonio Banderas	...	Nestor Castillo
Cathy Moriarty	...	Lanna Lake
Maruschka Detmers	...	Delores Fuentes
Desi Arnaz Jr.	...	Desi Arnaz Sr.

Storyline

Musician brothers Cesar and Nestor leave Cuba for America in the 1950s, hoping to hit the top of the Latin music scene. Cesar is the older brother, the business manager, and the ladies' man. Nestor is the brooding songwriter, who cannot forget the woman in Cuba who broke his heart.

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Plot Keywords:

cuba | 1950s | new york city | immigrant | havana cuba | 

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Taglines:

With a suitcase full of song, Hearts filled with passion, two brothers come to America in search of a dream.

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sensuality

Details

Country:

France USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

28 February 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Mambo Kings

Filming Locations:

Tower Theatre - 802 S. Broadway, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$319,793, 1 March 1992

Gross USA:

$6,742,168

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,742,168

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alcor Films, Canal+, Regency Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White (flashback scene to childhood) Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Julie Pinson.

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Goofs

The "I Love Lucy" show was filmed in Hollywood several weeks in advance of the air date and never broadcast live as portrayed in the movie.

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Quotes

Cesar Castillo: In the name of the Mambo, the Rumba, and the Cha cha cha.

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Connections

Referenced in Spin City: The Burgers of Wrath (2000)

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Soundtracks

Tea For Two
Written by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar
Performed by Mambo All-Stars

User Reviews

I was glued to the television

I saw this movie for the first time in 1995 on television and it has been a favorite of mine ever since.

Armand Assante was absolutely awesome! Pure male magnetism just oozed from his pores in this role and I think I became his biggest fan by the time the movie had ended.

Antonio Banderas was handsome as ever and the two of them together was definitely a treat for female viewers.

The the music, the dancing and the charisma of the movie was infectious and fun to be a part of, even if it was only in a visual context.

I must admit, my rating is strictly biased because, to date, I still think Armand Assante is the sexiest man alive and anything that he is in, I make it my business to see, so the 10 was earned entirely on the basis of Armand Assante's presence.