Holiday in Havana is a 1949 American musical comedy directed by Jean Yarbrough, and starring Desi Arnaz, Mary Hatcher and Ann Doran. The film is about a Cuban hotel busboy (Arnaz) who dreams of becoming a composer. According to author Mary Beltrán, in his portrayal of Carlos Estrada, Arnaz "established a successful negotiation of tensions inherent in playing a Latin romantic lead in this period, a negotiation that set the stage for what would make Ricky Ricardo so popular with American viewers. His music, with songs such as "Holiday in Havana" and the "Arnaz Jam" featured in the film. Plot summary The story about the difficult role of a Cuban bandleader Carlos Estrada (Desi Arnaz). His romantic vis-a-vis is a peppery dancer named Lolita Valdez (Mary Hatcher). Just before the lovers participate in a gala Havana festival, Carlos has a lot of explaining to do when Lolita catches him in the arms of another. Cast Desi Arnaz as Carlos Estrada Mary Hatcher as Lolita Valdez (Dolores) Ann Doran as Marge Henley Steven Geray as Lopez Minerva Urecal as Mama Valdez Sig Arno as Pepe Ray Walker as Sam Keegan Nacho Galindo as Police Sergeant References External links American musical comedy films 1949 musical comedy films 1949 films Columbia Pictures films Films directed by Jean Yarbrough Films set in Havana American black-and-white films 1940s American films