Feature film
The Beauty of the Alhambra
La bella del Alhambra
Enrique Pineda Barnet · 1989
Synopsis
Havana, 1920. Rachel, a young chorus girl in a wretched circus tent, dreams of fame and aims for the stage of the Alhambra theatre, the great venue of the Havana revue. Her talent takes her there, and she becomes the star the title announces; but along the way she loses her great love, Federico, and experiences a passion that endangers the career she has fought for.
Context
Based on Canción de Rachel and released on 28 December 1989, the film reconstructs the Alhambra theatre and the Cuban musical theatre of its day, with set design by Derubín Jácome. The book is by Miguel Barnet, who wrote the screenplay with the director and Julio García Espinosa. Beatriz Valdés plays Rachel, alongside Omar Valdés, César Évora, Carlos Cruz and Verónica Lynn; the role made her a familiar figure to Cubans. At the Havana festival, where it was in competition, the prize for best actress went to an Argentine actress.
Who it is for
One hundred and eight minutes, in Spanish, with sung and danced numbers. It helps to know that the Alhambra was a real venue, which the film brings back to life.
Prizes and reception
Goya for best Spanish-language foreign film in 1990; Coral for music and set design at the Havana festival in 1989.
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