Ave atque Vale: Ricardo Montalban (1920-2009)

The Cinema-Mad Sibling and I are mourning the death of Ricardo Montalban, who died yesterday at the age of 88.

His film and TV career spanned 60 years (you can look at the IMDB entry for that), and here is a fascinating film clip from his 1947 American film debut, dancing with Cyd Charisse in Fiesta. (What a handsome devil too, at 26.) Among other roles, he was later famous as the mysterious Mr. Roarke on "Fantasy Island," and his distinctive voice made commercials memorable. ("Corinthian leather"!)

Still, the Cine-Sib and I remember him most fondly as Khan Noonien Singh, absolutely the best Star Trek villain EVER from 1982's "Star Trek II: the Wrath of Khan." (Check out the trailer.) No other Trek villain even comes close. That performance is iconic in pop culture. Besides, he managed to freak out Captain Kirk while wearing one of the most ludicrous outfits in Trek moviedom. And nobody but nobody did scenery-chewing rage and revenge better than Khan, and he did it with an articulate aplomb that one never sees anymore.

In fact, I give you this for fun:

Arguably, Montalban's Khan was more fun to watch than any other character in that flick, even Captain Kirk. So, in tribute to the late, great Ricardo Montalban, won't you join the Sibling and me? You know what to do.

"KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!"

UPDATE 1: From movie blog What Would Toto Watch comes news that TCM will be airing a Montalban movie marathon in tribute. Program your Tivos and DVRs!

UPDATE 2: The weather here in Nerdworld is horrifically cold, so I can't help linking to this charming musical number from 1949's "Neptune's Daughter." Yes, the first half of the clip features Montalban singing "Baby, It's Cold Outside" to Esther Williams. Enjoy this Oscar-winning tune!

UPDATE 3: Try this link to the video.