The Kissing Bandit (1949)

This 1948 technicolor spectacle features Frank Sinatra in the unusual comedic role of a Mexican bandito. Sinatra as Ricardo, who travels to California to claim the inn his mysterious father left to him. Here, Ricardo discovers that his father was known as the "kissing bandit." This information initially shocks Ricardo, but he soon follows in the footsteps of his father due to prodding by his father's old gang and local girls such as Kathryn Grayson and Ann Miller who anyone would want to steal a kiss from. Grayson, as Sinatra's counterpart is fetching as a governor's daughter with tax troubles. Sinatra offers her the goods of his thievery and in the process steals her heart. This MGM musical is full of showstoppers, particularly a fiery dance between Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse. Songs include Songs include: "Love Is Where You Find It", "Tomorrow Means Romance", "What's Wrong With Me", and "If I Steal a Kiss."