Director Douglas Sirk`s (under the name Detlef Sierck) LA HABANERA became more than a star vehicle for promising actress Zarah Leander, as he created a moody, musical melodrama that speaks volumes about the politics of colonialism. The lovely Astree (Zarah Leander) leaves Sweden for the warm Caribbean and marriage to wealthy Puerto Rican businessman Don Pedro de Avila (Ferdinand Marian). Years later, when the love has disappeared from Astree`s marriage, her ex-lover Dr. Sven Nagel (Karl Martell) suddenly reappears in her life, on a mission to cure a deadly tropical disease. When Astree`s son becomes ill with the disease, Sven must try to find a cure, while avoiding the jealous Don Pedro`s wrath. Ultimately, Astree must choose between the love she left behind, and the power and control exercised over her by Don Pedro.