Mambo (1954)

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Unable to find work in Hollywood due to the Blacklist, director Robert Rossen filmed his 1954 production Mambo in Italy. Silvana Mangano stars as Silvia, who hopes someday to become a famous dancer. In the meantime, Silvia is torn between two lovers: Count Enrico (Michael Rennie), who hasn't much… More Unable to find work in Hollywood due to the Blacklist, director Robert Rossen filmed his 1954 production Mambo in Italy. Silvana Mangano stars as Silvia, who hopes someday to become a famous dancer. In the meantime, Silvia is torn between two lovers: Count Enrico (Michael Rennie), who hasn't much longer to live, and Mario Rossi (Vittorio Gassman), an irresponsible adventurer. Gaining success as a dancer after joining the troupe managed by Toni Burns (Shelley Winters), Silvia continues to waver in her affections between her two suitors. By the time she makes her choice, it turns out to be the wrong one. The plotline is rather hard to follow, reportedly because director Rossen was obliged to recut and re-recut the film when it previewed badly. At least Mambo affords modern-day viewers the pleasure of seeing Katherine Dunham, one of the greatest American dancers of the 20th century, in action. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi