Calypso Joe is a 1957 American musical film directed by Edward Dein and written by Edward Dein and Mildred Dein. The film stars Herb Jeffries, Angie Dickinson, Ed Kemmer, Stephen Bekassy, Laurie Mitchell, and Claudia Drake. The film was released on June 9, 1957, by Allied Artists Pictures.
The story is about a woman named Julie, an airline hostess. She has decided to marry a South American millionaire named Rico Vargas, despite the efforts of her former boyfriend Lee Darling, a television star, to win her back. Rico's sister, Astra, tries to make a move on Lee, who responds only to make Julie jealous. Just as the plane carrying Julie and all the credited musicians and bands is about to take off, Calypso Joe smuggles Lee on board so he can have a chance to change Julie's mind.
Filming started 18 March 1957. It was part of a short-lived "calypso wave" of films with a calypso theme that sought to replicate the success of Rock Around the Clock (1956) only with calypso music. Others included Calypso Heat Wave and Bop Girl Goes Calypso. The film was shot at KTTV Studios.
Bill Matons, a singer who performed under the name "Calypso Joe", tried to stop Allied Artists using the title Calypso Joe.
Calypso Joe was rushed into release to be the first calypso film. The film was released on a double bill with Hot Rod Rumble.
The film was given a "B" rating by the Legion of Decency "for suggestive costuming."
Variety wrote "With upwards of a dozen tunes and/or production numbers, Calypso Joe should please those who like their calypso. Film abounds in exploitation value."
The film was not a box office success. Neither was Calypso Heat Wave or Bop Girl Calypso.