Ricardo Montalban is amazing! Dancer, singer, actor and then some! If he wasn't a pianist, he should have been! Elegant Ricardo and composition by Aaron Copland: "El Salón Mexico!" Ricardo, En Paz Descanze!
I have always been a fan of Ricardo Montalban. But catching these snippets on RU-vid have blown me away. I had no idea the man was more than a talented actor. He could sing, dance and a wonderful musician. He just has it all. Hollywood really underappreciated this fine man.
The excellence of this number is really the combined work of five fine artists: composer Aaron Copland, arranger/conductor Johnny Green, soloist Andre Previn, Ricardo Montalban and Harold Gelman. At the reception back at the Green home following the memorial service for Johnny in 1989, I spent a considerable amount of very enjoyable time with Mr. Montalban -- who graciously insisted I call him Ricardo -- talking about this number. He was very proud of it. He was also very grateful to Johnny and Harold for all the time they spent coaching him as he rehearsed to the playback of Previn with the M-G-M Orchestra. Working as his archivist, Johnny was somewhat like my big brother and Harold, who had been an M-G-M music advisor and coordinator, was a close friend and my piano teacher whenever I was in Los Angeles. This wonderful number brings back so many happy memories for me of all these artists, for which I thank you sincerely.
Did you find out whether Jose Iturbi was also involved in this number? He had been connected with MGM and its great in-house musicians since his turn with Judy Garland in 'The Joint is Really Jumping Down at Carnegie Hall'. Young Previn had a better all-round grounding from Messrs Green, Salinger & Co than the Juilliard or Curtis could have given him. All the way from cool jazz to his brilliant interpretations of Elgar and Walton- the king of concert-hall crossover.
Thank you for explaining this! It figures that the teenaged Andre Previn played the solo (on an obviously much better piano than in this scene). Montalban had to have a strong musical sense to imitate playing this tricky piece so convincingly. I just saw him singing in On an Island with You, with his voice dubbed by a not-so-great singer. Dumb! Montalban later on had a singing role in the Broadway musical Jamaica (with Lena Horne, no less) which ran 555 performances, for which he was nominated for a Tony award. Guess he could sing after all. Hollywood has wasted far more talent than it ever put on screen.
I had the honor of meeting him outside the Aquarious theater in Hollywood, back in 1977, and had the privilege of shaking his hand. Still is a time capsule for me.
Hola Hector, I think if I'd been you, I wouldn't wash my hand for at least a week! Just kidding! Mr. Montalban was kind of a genius in so many ways; acting, singing, dancing and just generally classy! I've so many clips with Mr. M, but one of my favorites by another poster had him being propelled on the stage in his wheel-chair by his former partner, and best friend, beautiful Cyd Charisse! Last time I looked here on YT it had been removed. That made me very sad. Maybe it's been replaced! Anyway, I'm honored to hear from you, and I'm still trying to learn the whole YT/G+ situation! Sorry to be so confused, but such is life. Thanks so much for your message, and if you have time, please check out some of my other Ricardo/Cyd/Rita/Lana/Ann, etc. clips. There were more, but those are no longer available...at least by me. Thanks so much for writing! Best wishes, varadero/john
Wow, Ricardo Montalban was stunning in his youth! And he certainly kept his looks as he aged. Whether he's hitting the correct notes or not, his performance looks so genuine and believable. Thank you for posting this wonderful piece of history.
You are right . What a wonderful man , what a wonderful actor , husband , father , good friend and defender of the latin actors . A rare soul , indeed .
To other commentors..he is obviously playing the piano. Previn may have done the recording if the song but that is real playing. Montalban was so talented it was unreal. Watch the videos of him dancing. He was just old school talent, where singing, dancing, playing multiple instruments and acting well was expected of you.
Hi Sara N, You're tellin' me? I've posted so many of Ricardo's winning performances over the years. You're so right about his talent; there was so little he "couldn't" do! Don't think he ever suspected it, but he was a STAR! Aside from all his talent, he was rumored to be one of the nicest guys in Hollywood! I'd posted one whose soundtrack was so bad that I had to dub in some songs: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IpUZi3z37eA.html I've since obtained a better, though not great copy and I'm working on making it presentable. I'll let you know when it's finished. It's really long and I'm proud to say, despite "El Señor Naranja," it's completely in Spanish and made in Mexico! Keep in touch! varadero
Johnny Green and M-G-M music advisor Harold Gelman coached him so he could credibly perform the number in exact sychronization with the playback, which was, indeed, made by Andre Previn and accompanied by the M-G-M Symphony Orchestra under Johnny Green's direction. When he attended Johnny's memorial, he specifically ask me if I could make him a cassette dub of this and the other playbacks from Fiesta. He was a gracious and thoughtful man and I wish I had gotten to know him better.
Ricardo Montalban was graced with multi-facted gifts and talents from above. Handsome, great physical genetics, acting, singing, dancing, and musicianship. Incredible. Respect and RIP.
It would be respect if you actually acknowledge that he WORKED to develop most of those SKILLS, rather than having had them bestowed on him by a magic genie.
Ricardo was a great artist with an eclectic talent. He was not only an actor, singer, dancer, he was also a musician. He beautifully played guitar and piano. He was involved in many causes. A man of convictions who knew how to intelligently cultivate his dual culture to make it a driving force. His autobiography "A life in two worlds" is a great life lesson.
i have loved this since I first saw the movie on black and white television in the 1950s. i own the DVD but still peek in must to hear this fantastic music quite often. What a joy to watch this.......and the two dance scenes he does with Cyd.
I once asked Miss Williams about this amazing piece of film! She told me that although Ricardo did play the piano, it had to be the finest musical impresario at the MGM studio at that time to play that piece of music by Aron Copland. Ricardo spent weeks practicing with him,we see Ricardo on screen but on the audio track we hear the one and only Jose Iturbe playing the piano. I was lucky years ago to find this on a 45 RPM,perhaps it still can be found!
Gracias por esta información. Honor a quien honor merece. Qué bien que Ricardo haya practicado con él. De hecho, la técnica que usa Ricardo es muy buena. No articula mucho, lo que en teoría permite más rapidez. Se parece a la técnica alemana!!! Muchas gracias, muy interesante la información y qué genial que José Iturbe sea el que toque el piano en la grabación. Señal de que tocaba hermosamente y Ricardo Montalbán yo creo que también!!! 👌🏻
Ricardo Montalban was a gentleman, edúcated person, wonderful person in all ways of life, I was allways fond of him in a very special way, as a Mexican very prowd of him being such a gifted person , family man and many things more....
Mr. Montalban was 1 class act indeed! As you wrote, he was a family man and I don't think there was ever a breath of scandal throughout his entire Hollywood career! His Mexican heritage made him a very proud man. I think I've about 10 or more of his vids on my channel! This is one that most people enjoy; hope you'll join them: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8q7Z_cJGdnI.html Best wishes, varadero
@rlmendoza again,I'll let the cat out of the bag,,Mr Montalban is on screen ,but it's Joe Iturbi we hear playing the piano. He did the same for Cornell Wilde in A Song To Remember when he played Chopin! Mr. Iturbi can be seen on camera in many MGM films most noteworthy is Anchors Away when he plays for Frank Sinatra and does a :WOW" at The Hollywood Bowl with a couple of dozen kids and The Ritual Fire Dance
Weather he"s really playing or just performing, we shouldn"t be surprised , as the scene shows, Ricardo, always the perfectionist, with his charm and elegance, being displayed here. Bravo Ricardo!
Bravo indeed! Though he might not actually be playing here for real, he certainly give one fine impression. I'm so honored to hear from you, and please review the comment below from misheemom! I still wonder about some of the hidden capabilities of amazing Mr. Montalban! Thanks for writing!
¡Otra vez Indigo 1045 y su ego! Gracias, varadero 1839, por compartir. Si alguien tiene este mismo video en su estado puro, le agradeceré subirlo a esta nuestra querida pagina.
One of the things I like about old Hollywood you expected true talent and they put time energy and effort into creating that here's a man that gave looks great acting abilities along with the gift of music that and great writing along with imagination are missing in todays entertainment
Hi Mr. Barlow, This was a brilliant performance! Though some piano professionals suggested wonderful Mr. Montalban was actually playing, I'm not sure. He's a favorite of mine in all his films, even his early films from his native Mexico. Also, though not trained as a dancer, he could pass any test as shown here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MphSSn5iFfQ.html I've got several more with Mr. Montalban. I hope you'll look them up! Best to you, varadero
This scene was seared into my memory as a child over 60 years ago when I saw it on television. For decades I have been trying to discover what movie it came from. All I could remember was it came from a film about a man in Mexico who wanted to compose beautiful music. Montalban's performance so captivated me as a child I never forgot this emotionally charged scene and had no idea that it was one of my favorite actors who created it. THANK YOU so much for sharing this. I'm still in tears seeing this again after searching for so many years. I learned today it comes from the film "Fiesta" and I'm trying to find where I can view this classic film again. There does not appear to be any streaming services offering it. I may have to search for a DVD to purchase. But I am so grateful to you for posting this and helping me reconnect with an important moment in my childhood that I believe helped direct me toward a lifetime of musical appreciation and performance.
I posted this clip and have been a fan of Mr. Montalban for years. I even put up a playlist dedicated to him! Hope this reaches you, and thanks again for writing: ru-vid.com/group/PL7T9avIw9GB2pCyqduoHa1vMNZfdpIWnP
I agree on both counts! This was a brilliant man in so many ways. Anyone who could even have managed the appearance of playing has to be a genius! I'm a huge RM fan! If you have some free time, please view some of his other triumphs here! Though many think of him as Mr. Roark/Khan, I'll always remember his incredible dance and musical talents! Thanks so much for your comments!
This has got to be one of Ricardo's finest movie parts. And this song has became one of my all time favourites. I also loved the movie, "Fiesta", with Ester Williams playing his sister. The song he plays? 'Fantosia Mexicana'
Ricardo saenz Estimado Sr. Sáenz, Estoy agradecido de saber de usted, y también siento honrado de haber que usted ha disfrutado tanto de los videos que he puesto con el Sr. Montalbán aquí en YT! Los mejores deseos, varadero
Given his incredible appearance here, or in most films in which he performed, there's little that he could have done on screen that was unbelievable! Playing or not, secretly many of us wish he was! I do! Thanks so much romeo garcia for your gracious, and amazing comment!
Áurea Laguna Vi o filme Fiesta Brava muitas vezes com a minha mãe em dvd. Fui ao México três vezes e não consegui localizar essa música. Pude agora com Internet ver esse trecho da fita em que Ricardo Montalban simula estar tocando piano. Que beleza!
In an episode of - I believe - MURDER SHE WROTE, Ricardo Montalban played a concert pianist and is shown playing the opening of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto. Like in the clip presented here, it definitely looked like he knew his way around a piano. I too have always wondered if he played in real life.
@rlmendoza Hi! If you have a few minutes, please read the comments by misheemom below. They refer to Mr. M's prowess at the keyboard. I know he could sing and dance, but I must defer to this expert as to his piano playing. Either he really could play, and/or Hollywood worked some magic again with a "finger-double!" Thanks so much for your comment!
@PianoDaemon Thanks so much for your comment! I remember that episode, and there is a mystery there! I'm grateful hearing from you but viewing numerous comments below, It may well have been Jose Iturbi. At the time, I believe he was under contract to this studio so I wouldn't be surprised. Here's the bottom line: Ricardo looked, played, acted and commanded this piece on screen! His physical presence, acting, singing, dancing still makes him a triple threat. Que viva Ricardo!!
All the marvelous, rightful comments below, complimenting the remarkable Ricardo Montalban. Not mentioned was his passionate promotion of Mexican culture and people, and his sincere, great piety and loving worship of God.
,Ricardo Montalban was a gifted old school actor, born in the city where I was born... but how about the great brooklyn born Aaron Copland and his marvelous music? .. El Salon Mexico...?
Mr. Montalban was a wonderful man off-screen (as well as on-screen)--he was married for 63 years to his wife-(until her passing)--he was very open about his Catholic/Christian faith and how it was the most important thing in his life
+Star buono Thanks for noticing! I'm sorry for not having mentioned him in the credits. Mr. Napier never seemed to have issues finding work in Hollywood. He was an excellent, very aristocratic actor who always gave his best! Best wishes, varadero
¿Quién es el compositor de esta hermosa obra musical? Ricardo Montalbán lo interpretó en una película de Hollywood, cuya escena estamos presenciando en este vídeo.
rufino sanchez Fantasia Mexicana based on "El Salon Mexico" Music by Aaron Copland Music Adapted and Orchestrated by Johnny Green Piano soloist André Previn
@varadero1839 He was shown in the 2009 Memorial telecast of the Oscars in March 2009. I saw it only because someone had posted a video of it here on youtube. However, I don't know if it was removed due to copywrite. I haven't been able to find it again since. (And that still doesn't explain why Farrah Fawcett was not shown in this year's memorial. )
I agree! Mr. Montalban could have convinced anyone of anything! That was his talent, aside from his incredible appearance! Please, should you have time, please see what else he could do! I've many videos with Mr. RM here on YT! I'd be honored if you had the time to see them! Thank you again!
Hi 7beers, I'm in you're boat! I was so impressed by Mr. Montalban here that I one time swore he was playing! Please see some of the remarks below yours. They seem to think otherwise. Since the amazing RM is gone, we've really no one else to ask! Honestly, I think Ricardo knew how to play. I suspect he didn't play here, though it looked as if he did! All the more credit to bestow upon his genius of acting, dance, singing and "sometimes" piano playing. Thanks so much for writing!
Hi botaco, Ricardo's "playing" was brilliant, and others have said they suspected he was really performing! Got many clips from "himself" here on YT, but this is one with which I must agree with you. Given his physical appearance, had he really been that adept at the piano, he'd have made much more $$ as a concert pianist, as this was his 1st film in the US. I can't comment on the Andre Previn statement; I just don't know. Thanks for your comment!
I've been trying to research this, but I recently read since Mr. Montalban died in January of 2009, that he was mentioned at the Oscar telecast from March, 2009. Still can't find it in writing. Sorry...
Was Montalban a pianist as well along with his many other talents? He is hitting every note and his technique is quite good. I know he used to give 100% to all he did. But even a good faker couldn't hit as many of the correct notes that he's hitting, which seems to be every one. (This coming from a piano teacher!) He's one of a kind!
He is certainly not hitting every note. Pianists can tell that Mr. Montalban is not really moving his hands (and especially his arms and wrists) like a pianist. BUT... he is doing a great job of acting as if he is playing, and was obviously coached very well to play this part. There is no doubt that he spent many hours perfecting this scene.
Charlotte Fairchild Thanks for writing Charlotte Fairchild! Mr. Montalban, though he didn't really play the piano, from what I've heard, was a great natural dancer, and a fine guitarist. I'm sorry; I neglected to mention that I think he was an excellent actor as well. His singing was also respectable! I'm so glad you wrote, and want to say thank you, once more! You might be interested to know that this was his 1st movie in the United States! varadero
What impresses me is how he accomplished this while in pain. I have quite a high regard for people who do not have the pain he did from his spinal condition, and more for someone like Ricardo Montalban for working through the pain.
Charlotte Fairchild This would've been before the injuries he sustained in Across the Missouri, which was the source of his later spinal problems. He was trampled by a horse and never really recovered from it. Truly an amazing actor.
wondermachinedc That reminds me of the comments that Marilyn Monroe still receives during some of her movies. She may be pregnant or just having gone through a miscarriage, and people say she is fat. She died slender, if that counts for anything. People are too critical of appearances without knowing the physical condition or what is going on with people.
+Charlotte Fairchild He was one of the biggest bad asses in the international entertainment venue. There hasn't been one like him since and probably never will be again.
@anoxinomin5 Thanks for answering that question . I knew the sound track was not him playing (at least for real on screen) but his accuracy of hitting the correct keys seemed too good for someone who did NOT know how to play. His technique is pretty good also. It's always a pet peeve of mine when actors are supposed to look like they're really playing and they just don't look like they even have any idea how the piano works!
@@varadero1839 qué bueno que escribes en español porque ya no entendí si Ricardo Montalban tocaba o no. Yo he contestado hay veces en inglés pero sólo hablo un 50%, ,entonces hay veces no sé si entendí mal!!! Jajaja bueno!!!
Wonderful clip. Montalban is amazing. A shame Aaron Copland's music isn't played more often. He wrote some great music, other than "Beef. It's what's for diner". When I was a freshmen in college, I had to take a music appreciation course (like I need a course to appreciate music), and Copland's music was among some of the pieces we had to listen to and critique. The prof, a snooty two bit loser academic didn't like Copland or my take on his music. Called me hopelessly tone deaf. W T F?
The credits of the movie say that at some point La bamba is used. I have not seen the film, and since La bamba is credited to a Spaniard composer I would like to know, if anybody can tell me if it was our (mexican) bamba that was used in this film, or maybe share the clip.
It's the same version that Richie Valens made famous. It's in an early scene where RM's character has been playing guitar in the band while his girlfriend is dancing with someone else. He requests the band play "La Bamba" as he dances with her (the fabulous Cyd Charisse).
Considering how much he hated that commercial and the stereotype it represented, you might want to reconsider this comment. In an interview, he said he even wrote to the company and asked them to change it to, if I remember correctly, the Frito amigo... but they refused.
