Cry of the Bewitched (1957)

You won't be disappointed!

One of my all time favorites.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Unfortunately, Ninon Sevilla was induced to reprise her "mulata" in the ill-conceived, poorly directed (Alfredo B. Crevenna) Yambao (1957). Aware that Pedro Armendariz had done his best to steal her limelight in "Mulata" (1954), Ninon was delighted with second-rate co-stars Ramon Gay (from the Aztec Mummy pictures) and Senorita Durgel, with whom she had worked harmoniously in Crevenna's 1956 "Amor y Pecado". So the accent is firmly on Sevilla all the way. Alas, she proves a huge disappointment. The film's poster lists seven songs and dances, but there seemed more a like dreary dozen to me. All but one are total write-offs, while the one that is mildly pleasant has nothing to do with the movie and seems to have been added as an afterthought. Not that the foolish, half-baked story with its copycat echoes of far better films like "Chloe" is any more entertaining. And as for the acting, the word "puerile" comes readily to mind, even to describe the exotic Sevilla herself who way overdoes the eye popping, teeth gnashing and similar amateurish histrionics. What's worse, she disappoints her fans by confining her dancing strictly to repetitive mambo-junko. We keep waiting for director Crevenna to wake up and realize this dime-store potboiler would play better as a comedy. Alas, he never does, even though Ninon's over-the-top scenery-chewing should have caused lightning to strike.

1850, Cuba. The fiery and enticing Yambao (the insanely gorgeous dancer/actress Ninon Sevilla) stirs up trouble on a plantation. She not only gets blamed for a plague that ravages a nearby village (the locals think she's a witch), but also tries to seduce no-nonsense plantation owner Jorge (the solid Ramon Gay). In addition, Yambao does her best to resist falling under the spell of her bitter and vengeful sorceress grandmother. Director Alfredo B. Crevenna treats the lurid story with admirable seriousness and does a nice job of creating a rich and exotic atmosphere. Moreover, the vivid depiction of the small remote sylvan community and its scared, superstitious inhabitants is both credible and intriguing. The occasional nifty music numbers liven things up a lot. Raul Martinez Solares' vibrant color cinematography does the trick. Ditto the lusty and rousing score by Lan Adomian and Obdulio Morales. Sevilla really impresses with her formidable portrayal of the titular character; her dark, sultry beauty, sensuous dancing, and smoldering presence all positively steam up the screen. An entertaining film.

The first (and only) time I seen this movie was back around 1965 or 1966 on an old heavy 13" tube type B/W TV. I have not seen it aired since then. Would really love to find a copy of this movie despite the somewhat vague memories I have of it. I would put this movie in among the other oldies which I'd rate as one of the cult classics! Back in the days of the "Friday late night shockers", this was one of the number of memorable classics I recall. I have to give this a "10" rating, simply because it left such an impression on me. It was fairly risqué for it's time, but compared to today, well, it's pretty tame. Nonetheless, I was captivated by it's presentation. A good rare oldie!

Yambao is a charming sorceress, under influence of her grandmother's spirit, greeding for revenge. She leads us thru this story of unusual passion and possession. But the film doesn't stand the pace.. long scenes of chanting slaves, althought sometimes (unvolontary ?) very funny, break the tempo and make us regret what this genre movie could have been