Review of The Kissing Bandit (1948) by Allan C — 11 Feb 2016

Pretty awful and actually very insulting Frank Sinatra musical vehicle where old blue eyes plays a latino. Even if you can get by or forgive the Hollywood practice of this era of Anglo stars playing ethnic parts, it's still not a very good film.

Frank plays a goofy kid who is the son of the the infamous Kissing Bandit. She's supposed to take over for his father, but Frank was raised in Boston and can't even ride a horse. Unfunny comedy ensures, followed by unmemorable musical numbers (and I do count myself as a fan of Sinatra).

The only reason I watched this film is my current obsession with Ricardo Montalban, who ended up only playing "Fiesta Specialty Dancer." The film does feature the great Cyd Charisse, but there really isn't a whole lot to recommend about this film.

I suppose it's probably only for Sinatra die-hards or for Ricardo Montalban completionists like myself.