Directors Geoffrey Dunn and Michael Horne have managed to create an effective documentary that captures the essence of calypso. Yes, there's history, a valid explanation of calypso's social context and even an impressive section on the role of women in calypso, but the documentary is really about the feelings that calypso creates. Calypso Dreams showcases the art of calypso in all its complexities. Harry Belafonte points out what we all know - that calypso is our poetry - but he sums it up best when he says, "There's more to poetry than Keats and Shelley."

The biggest sense of accomplishment comes from the directors' ability to present calypso characters. In a musical era defined by singers and performers, one is poignantly reminded of bygone days when calypso characters emerged from the music much as well crafted characters emerge from a book. Much of this feeling comes from the directors' treatment of the calypsonians in the documentary. There are very few stage performances.

Instead, the directors deal with a more intimate setting: a balcony overlooking Port-of-Spain, the gallery and living room of calypsonians' homes and even the pubs, where calypsonians appear to be more at home than the stage. In many ways the settings themselves capture the history of calypso.

Stripped to the simplest environment there is nothing to concentrate on but the characters. Excellent editing that strings together a succession of calypsonians making interesting and humorous comments about their craft creates a steady flow and a feeling of continuity in juxtaposing scenes.

The anecdotes in the movie are priceless.

Calypsonians come off as creative, complex, rather happy-go-lucky people deeply committed to their craft. They are survivors who are able to transcend life's vicissitudes.

David Rudder says it best when he explains that Trinidadians are a people who can smile through the pain. There's often laughter, he says, but there's a sword underneath that laughter.

Calypso Dreams presents a virtual parade of who's who in calypso. It would be easier to tell you who's not in the movie. SuperBlue is one vitally important calypsonian who is missing.

Still, getting so many calypsonians together to make a movie is no easy feat.

The true testimony of Calypso Dreams undoubtedly lies in the fact that patrons of MovieTowne passed nine slick Hollywood movies to pack Theatre 10 so that they could experience Calypso Dreams.

The experience was amazing. After the movie I went and begged the ticket counter to keep the movie one more day so that I could bring my children. I've never done that before. While Calypso Dreams is highly entertaining, it is also a valuable teaching tool. Every student should experience it, to get a sense of history and to see how poetry comes alive through calypso.

When last did you go to a movie that had you laughing nonstop, singing and sighing aloud and applauding enthusiastically at the end of the movie?

Calypso Dreams has been doing just that and Trinidadians are clamouring for more. MovieTowne says they have been receiving so many calls from people still wanting to see the movie that they are considering running it again.