This film is part of Free
There's Reason in Rhumba
Rhythm and romanticism rules over realism in this recreation of the origins of the rhumba dance
Musical 1939 12 mins
Overview
There might well be reason in rhumba, but there's also plenty to ridicule in this romanticised rendition of its origins. Featuring a 110% accurate portrayal of life aboard a Spanish ship sailing to the New World of the Americas, it was one of six “dance-spectacle entertainments revealing the history and origin of popular dance rhythms”. Keen viewers might spot that the heralded “Parsons Multiscene System” is basically a big mirror to give an illusion of depth to the scene.
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