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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

ABC Wednesday: M is for Montalban and Music


Sure I remember Ricardo Montalban from Star Trek and Fantasy Island and the "soft Corinthian leather" car commercials.

Some time ago, I came across the picture above, but I don't recall where anymore.

Ricardo was a founding member of Nosotros, designed to "strategically change the stereotypical image portrayed by Latino actors." There is a theater named after him and affiliated with the organization at 1615 Vine Street in Hollywood.


But perhaps his greatest legacy I learned about from my friend Deborah, who found this:
or here.

Ricardo Montalban sings for Esther Williams the song that has become a classic, "Baby It's Cold Outside" in the 1949 movie "Neptune's Daughter"; the film co-starred Red Skelton. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" won an Oscar that year for Best Original Song. Unless the Oscar rules have changed, this is likely the first performance of the perennial tune.

Ricardo is still around at the age of 88, doing occasional voice work.



ROG

16 comments:

ADD said...

KHAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!

Demeur said...

Smiles everybody smiles!

GayProf said...

You have to give the man credit -- He made cheap, vinyl seats sound like something you would actually want in your car.

Anonymous said...

Great information. I don't know him, but it was great that through your blog, I was able to know about it.

My M entries are posted here and here. Please drop by if you have time. Thanks a lot!

Anonymous said...

Lovely memories, and photos.

Ray

Rinkly Rimes said...

I don't recall the film star but 'Baby it's cold outside' certainly rings a bell. So it was HIS voice I've heard all these years!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Going to be one of the most original choices.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

You're kidding!
He's still alive??
Wow.
interesting post.

Anonymous said...

Yes, now you mention some of the things he's done I do know him, but I didn't know his name. Looking at IMDB, he's a hard worker!

Reader Wil said...

Oh but that was lovely! I have often heard this song!

Bear Naked said...

I didn't know he was still alive.
He was the perfect Latino man in the movies.
I used to love watching Fantasy Island.
*De plane boss, De plane!"

Bear((( )))

Kim from Hiraeth said...

I love his accent!

Leslie: said...

He always appealed to me, too. He has such a richly toned voice that goes along perfectly with his ruggedly handsome looks. :D

Neva said...

I so agree with Leslie....I have always loved his voice and enjoyed him in films.....this youtube was fabulous! I haven't heard this song in years.......thanks for sharing....and I will NEVER forget the insect in his or someone's ear.....aaaaggghhhh!!

Katney said...

Such an example of suavity and sophistication. I love his voice. But I was never able to stay awake all the way through the Wrath of Khan--no matter where I was or how many times I tried. My M

Unknown said...

He does have a beautiful voice! 88 and still kickin'? You gotta love that : )! Hope you have a delightful weekend. God bless.