El último cuplé

EL ULTIMO CUPLE is a must-see for any Spanish cinema buff, in fact any admirer of Spanish culture. The movie has many layers that make it a favorite in the Spanish-speaking world, and is being seen by the newer generations, as we in the U.S. see "The Wizard of Us." It is a star-studded, more accessible alternative, to the heavier Spanish "zarzuela" or operetta. First, it is about cuples, "couplets" - simple Spanish songs from popular poems. In this respect, the movie, and its soundtrack are the ultimate collection of couplets. Secondly, the plot is woven so that nearly every major facet (now known as cliche') of Spanish culture is revealed in the diverse songs, and plot twists. These include the main regional costumes and dances, bullfighting rituals, the devotion to the Virgin Mary and local popular Saints, women's tragic position in life - dedicated to their men, and various folkloric songs that are not couplets. The latter include "Valencia" (about the orange growing province), and "La Madelon" (the French WW I hymn, also sung in Spain). In third place, and I'll stop here, it is a showcase for the extraodinary talent (which includes beauty and sensuality) of the Spanish World's star of the Century: Sarita Montiel, and at her prime.