¡Ay, Carmela!

ES / IT © 1990 Iberoamericana Films. P: Andrés Vicente Gómez. D: Carlos Saura. SC: Rafael Azcona, Saura – based on the play by José Sanchís Sinisterra. DP: José Luis Alcaine – Eastmancolor. AD: Rafael Palmero. COST: Humberto Cornejo, Mercedes Sánchez. M: Alejandro Massó. Theme "¡Ay, Carmela!" (= "Rumbala..."). Several song numbers. ED: Pablo González del Amo. Sound: Alfonso Pino. Starring Carmen Maura (Carmela), Andrés Pajares (Paulino), Gabino Diego (Gustavete), Maurizio De Razza (Lt. Ripamonte). 102'. An used print with good definition of colour without subtitles. Print check viewing at Orion, Helsinki, 3 June 2005. Carmela and Paulino with their mute assistant are a touring variety act on their way away from the Spanish Civil War 1938 to Valencia. First they perform to the Republicans, but they get caught by the Nationalists, and as an alternative to the firing squad, they have the option to present a Franco-minded act for their troops. A good story, and Carmen Maura is good in the title role as the all-singing, all-dancing earth spirit caught on both sides of the lines, but this is not Saura at his best. Despite the comic plot there is a deep sense of melancholy and despair about the Civil War.