Los amores de Carmen

The Loves of Carmen (1948) may not be my favorite take on this classic story nor is it among the cinematic greats, but it is nevertheless a fun romantic melodrama with tons of personality. The color photography is beautiful. The atmosphere is perfect. Glenn Ford is great as the obsessed Don Jose, a man torn between his integrity and his passions. The character could have easily been played stiff, but Ford gives him tragic dignity (plus he looks great in those tight pants).

But it seems everyone, love or hate this movie, agrees that Rita Hayworth as Carmen is the best asset on display. She is charismatic and sexy, sympathetic and infuriating. She brings the movie to a higher level and contributes much to its success.