Essentially a rags to riches story, a young Juan Gallardo (Rex Downing) lives a life of abject poverty in Seville with his sister (Lynn Bari) and mother (silent screen star Alla Nazimova) where he dreams of becoming a famous matador like his father who was killed in the ring. He promises his childhood sweetheart Carmen Espinosa (Ann Todd), that he will return with money and fame. With that, he leaves for Madrid to seek his destiny.
Ten years later, Juan (Tyrone Power) returns to Seville. He has become a matador and uses his winnings to help his family and friend. Best of all, he’s able to marry Carmen (Linda Darnell) as he had promised. Returning to the ring, Juan becomes Spain’s most celebrated matador, achieving the fame and fortune he craved, even winning over Natalio Curro (Laird Cregar), a snobbish critic who had ridiculed him and his father. Despite his happy marriage to Carmen, it’s not long before Juan’s head is turned by Dona Sol (Rita Hayworth), whose status as a man-eater is legendary. Despite warnings from others, Juan ends up leaving his home and family for Dona. Eventually, Juan’s relationship with Dona and his taste for a decadent lifestyle leads not only to the end of his marriage, but his career. Linda Darnell’s Carmen is portrayed as a saintly figure. Simple and without pretense, her forgiveness becomes Juan’s only hope for redemption and ultimately, his salvation.
Mamuolian, teamed with cinematographers Ernest Palmer and Ray Rennahan (a master of the Technicolor process) gave the film a truly lush and vibrant look that makes the colors pop off the screen. Palmer and Rennahan would share the Oscar for or Best Color Cinematography for this film in 1942.
As for the actors, Tyrone Power does a fine job as a kind of man-child, dealing with the ups, downs and temptations with life in Madrid. Linda Darnell is believable as the wife who never gives up hope that her husband will return to her. Rita Hayworth is perfect as “the other woman.” Exuding sex appeal, she is the ultimate home wrecker. The film’s best performance is given by legendary silent screen star Alla Nazimova as Juan’s loving but sensible mother. A renowned stage actress, she clearly new her way around a set and is wonderful throughout. Laird Cregar’s snarky journalist plays it over-the-top throughout, almost to the point of being laughable. Much better are J. Carrol Naish as a once-celebrated matador now reduced to serving as Juan’s valet, John Carradine as Juan’s friend Nacional who dislikes bull fighting but enjoys the fame it brings him, and Anthony Quinn as Juan’s former friend-now rival Manolo de Palma whose star rises as Juan’s begins to fade. Future Superman, George Reeves makes a brief appearance as one of Dona Sol’s former lovers.
Presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, Fox’s 1080p transfer is a solid one. While flesh tones can occasionally appear somewhat chalky, sharpness is excellent throughout and contrast is consistent. Black levels are very good and shadow detail is impressive.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 sound mix possesses surprisingly vivid fidelity. Dialogue is easy to understand throughout and is mixed perfectly with the film’s sound effects. Age related issues such as hisses, crackles, snaps and pops are nearly nonexistent.
English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available.
The following special features are included:
- Commentary by Director of Photography 2003-2006 President of the American Society of Cinematographers – Richard Crudo: Rather disappointing, as he looks at the film strictly on the basis of its cinematography and nothing else. Don’t expect any information on the actors, production, costumes, etc.
