“ MELODY MASTERS “ 1950s MUSIC VIDEOS DESI ARNAZ EXPLAINS THE RHUMBA JUDY CLARK 48044

Love our channel? Help us save and post more orphaned films! Support us on Patreon: Even a really tiny contribution can make a difference. Originally released in 1947 as “Jitterumba“ and then subsequently re-released by Castle Films in 1949 as “Melody Masters #5“, this short features Desi Arnaz (misspelled in the credits as “Arnez“!) explaining all about the rhumba. Arnaz is joined by Judy Clark and an obscure songstress named Dulcina, presenting “Taboo“, “El Cumbanchero“, “Boteando“, “Managua Nicaragua“ and “I’ll Take the Rhumba.“ The film gives a fairly good idea of what Arnaz and his orchestra were like as a nightclub act, and showcases Arnaz’ engaging on-stage presence and breezy demeanor. (At 6:05, while introducing Dulcina, Arnaz takes a nice dig at his old boss, the famed Xavier Cugat, and he does a series of charming pronunciation fumbles including at 12:35 calling the “Lindy Hop“ the “hoop“. ) Incidentally, Arnaz’ act is what is known as ballroom rumba o