Tiger by the Tail (1970), directed by R. G. Springsteen, is a crime‑drama/mystery thriller set in a small Arizona town. The film follows Vietnam War veteran Steve Michaelis (Christopher George), who returns home to discover that his brother has been murdered and that Steve himself is being implicated in the crime. Determined to clear his name, Steve enlists the help of his socialite girlfriend, Rita Armstrong (Tippi Hedren), and together they probe into the murky evidence, which involves racetrack ownership, business conspiracies, and threats from people who want him out of the way.

Charo appears in the film as Darlita, a character who contributes to the colorful setting and adds a lively musical element to the film that helps modulate between the darker plot points. She provides moments of levity and distraction, including a musical performance (with guitar, naturally) which underscores the film’s occasional drift toward spectacle.