DbcultAccessing Vault...
5.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Cuban Love Song remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, let’s talk about The Cuban Love Song. Is it worth tracking down today? Well, if you’re into early talkies, the pre-code era, or just curious about how they did musicals back in 1931, then yeah, give it a shot. It’s got some fascinating bits. But if you’re someone who needs slick pacing and modern storytelling, you'll probably find it a bit of a slog. It’s definitely not for casual viewing with the whole family.
The whole setup is pretty straightforward: Lawrence Tibbett plays Bob, a Marine haunted by a past fling in Havana. He goes back to find his kid, a child he barely knew existed. You know, classic melodrama stuff.
Tibbett, an opera star, sings a fair bit. His voice is, predictably, _really_ strong. Sometimes it feels like the movie just stops for a concert. Like, he’s in the middle of a dramatic scene, then BAM, full operatic aria. It’s a bit jarring, to be honest. But also kinda cool in a weird, old-school way.
Lupe Velez, as Nenita, absolutely steals every scene she’s in. She’s this incredible ball of energy. Her character has this amazing zest for life, even when things are clearly going sideways for her. There’s one scene where she’s just *laughing* at Bob’s seriousness, and you can feel the tension lift a little. She brings a much-needed spark.
Then there’s Jimmy Durante. What a character! He shows up as O.O. Jones, a kind of sidekick, and his piano playing and goofy patter are pure Durante. His big nose is almost a character itself. It’s a nice break from all the brooding, though sometimes his antics feel a world away from the main drama.
The pacing is… of its time. Things move slowly. Very slowly. You’ll have these long stretches where Bob is just looking sad or walking through what's supposed to be bustling Havana, but the crowd scenes have this oddly empty feeling, like half the extras wandered off for a coffee break. It feels less like a vibrant city and more like a stage set.
I found myself really focusing on the details in the background. Like, the old cars or the fashion. It's a snapshot, really. There's a moment when Bob is sitting by the water, and the way the light hits the waves, it's actually quite beautiful for a film this old. You almost forget the slightly stilted dialogue for a second.
The whole ‘guilt’ thing with Bob is heavy-handed. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters, like a director shouting 'FEEL SAD NOW!' 😬 But Tibbett tries. You can see him trying to convey that inner turmoil, even if the script gives him little more than a furrowed brow and a dramatic song.
There's a kid, of course. The illegitimate child. The kid is cute, but also kinda just… there for much of it. It’s more about Bob’s *idea* of the kid than the kid as a character. Which, I suppose, makes sense for the plot, but it means some emotional beats fall a bit flat.
One of the most memorable scenes, for me, involves a dance sequence. The energy is infectious, thanks largely to Lupe Velez. She moves with such natural grace and wildness. It’s the kind of moment where you remember why you watch these old films – for those flashes of genuine performance that transcend the technical limitations.
The ending feels a little bit rushed after all the slow build-up. It ties things up, but not necessarily in a way that feels completely earned. Like they just needed to finish the story. It doesn’t quite hit the emotional peak it aims for.
Look, it’s not perfect. The sound quality is a bit rough in places. Some of the dialogue gets lost. But there's a certain charm to it. It’s a piece of film history, a window into a different era of filmmaking and storytelling. You appreciate the effort, even when it’s clunky.
If you're looking for other films from this era, you might check out something like The Golem, though that's a silent one and a totally different vibe. Or maybe Pardon Me if you want more early comedy. But for a classic musical melodrama with some unique performances, The Cuban Love Song has its moments. Just manage your expectations for modern polish.
IMDb 4.4
1918
Community
Log in to comment.
