Don Juan, My Love

Winner of a Spanish Press Award for Best Comedy, Don Juan, My Love is a diverting bedroom farce that is much better than its American counterparts. Juan Luis Galiardo plays a double role: Don Juan and Don Juan--that is, both the real Don Juan, who rises from the grave on All Saints Eve to try to redeem his soul from Purgatory, and Don Juan, the two-bit megalomaniacal actor who stars in a stage show. When the actor Don Juan gets robbed of his clothes enroute to a cocaine deal, the real Don Juan takes his place at the rehearsal, and later at a party. During the party, police officials try to catch him, women place their bids for a night with him, and the drug dealers become angry when their drugs aren't forthcoming. When the actor Don Juan shows up, the proceedings become even more comically confused. Don Juan, My Love uses familiar elements (mistaken identity, super powers--the Don can walk through walls, etc., and lighthearted sexual humor) in competent, though not terribly innovative, ways. Often funny, Don Juan, My Love is still a ribald sex farce that doesn't aspire to much, but achieves what it sets out to do. An optional purchase. (R. Pitman)