1956-10-02: Cha-Cha-Cha-Boom
 - Nita Munay

A notorious "lost film," this rarity features the original Mambo King, Perez Prado, and Sylvia putting her experiences in Mexico to fabulous use in a bevy of exciting Latino dance numbers as "Nita Munay..."

Hal Erickson All Movie Guide summary: "The ineluctable Sam Katzman pounced upon the "cha-cha" craze with the musical quickie Cha-Cha-Cha-Boom! Recording stars Perez Prado, Helen Grayco, Luis Arcaraz, Manny Lopez and the Mary Kaye Trio play themselves in this hurriedly assembled mélange. The wafer-thin plot concerns the efforts of talent scout Bill Haven (Steve Dunne) to scare up some genuine Latino talent for his own recording company. To make a long story short, he coerces bandleader Perez Prado out of his native Cuba, whereupon Prado rallies his cha-cha'ing cohorts to assemble en masse in Haven's studio. The film is stolen by lissome dancer Sylvia Lewis, who later appeared on such TVers as The Dick Van Dyke Show."

See highlights of Sylvia as "Nita" by clicking the Play arrow...

Dancing with Dante DiPaolo

Sylvia working the room

Posing during rehearsals

"Watched a really talented dance duo cut a few capers... When they dance, rehearsal or for the camera, they give." - Lowell Redelings, Citizen News

"Miss Lewis, it should be noted, is a personable dish indeed."  - S.A. Desick, LA Examiner

"Described as 'enjoyable junk'... The music and dances were very exciting." - Citizen News

"The show picks up when Sylvia Lewis displays hep hips as part of dance team with Dante De Paulo. She gyrates to some wild beats." - Hal Morris, Mirror News

"... an equally hot Latin dance combo, Sylvia Lewis and Dante De Paulo, femme member a sexy dish who is also a key character in the story. Miss Lewis displays an arresting personality as well as being a snappy dancer."
- Variety