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

Warner Bros. wanted Jeremy Irons and Ray Liotta for the roles of Cesar and Nestor. Irons screen tested with Antonio Banderas. But Arne Glimcher fought for Armand Assante and Banderas whom he felt were perfect for the roles.

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Goofs

When the Castillo brothers first approach New York City in the early 1950s, you can see the World Trade Center towers in the skyline. The towers weren't built until the early 1970s.

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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

Perfidia
Written by Alberto Domínguez
Produced by Peter Asher
Performed by Linda Ronstadt
Courtesy of Elektra Entertainment

User Reviews

The Royal Treatment Cubano style!

THE MAMBO KINGS (1992) *** Armand Assante, Antonio Banderas, Cathy Moriarty, Maruschka Detmers, Desi Arnaz Jr. Flamboyant and fun watching film about two immigrant Cuban brothers in 1950s NYC trying to make the big time with their style and music. Banderas is particularly good as the heartbroken younger sibling and the soundtrack is memorably poignant and lavish set designs as well.