AllMovie

Desi Arnaz's bandleader career was in decline when he starred in Columbia's Holiday in Havana. Arnaz essays the difficult role of a Cuban bandleader, named not Ricky Ricardo but Carlos Estrada. His romantic vis-a-vis isn't Lucille McGillicudy but 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. Song highlights include "The Arnaz Jam" and the title number, both written by Desi. Though it did OK at the box office, Holiday in Havana is indication enough that Desi Arnaz was very wise to latch onto the fledgling TV industry.