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Flying Down to Rio (1933)

Flying Down to Rio

1933

  • RKO Radio Pictures
  • Directed by Thornton Freeland
  • Screenplay by Cyril Hume, H.W. Hanemann, Erwin S. Gelsey
  • Starring Dolores del Río, Gene Raymond, Raul Roulien, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire

Synopsis

Belinha De Rezende (del Río) is engaged to Julio Rubeiro (Roulien). Roger Bond (Raymond), pursuing her, intends to take her away from Julio. Fred Ayres (Astaire) and Honey Hale (Rogers) are entertainers in Roger's band, which is headlining the entertainment in the new hotel built by Belinha's father (Walter Walker). Her father's ability to pay for his loan is threatened when a syndicate prevents him from obtaining an entertainment license. People will not come to a hotel that lacks entertainment. Roger fills the hotel with guests by staging a startling outdoor entertainment: beautiful young women flying (securely attached) on the wings of biplanes. Julio, realizing that Belinha loves Rger, breaks their engagement.

Discussion

Flying Down to Rio has a rather silly story, and some scenes are slowly paced and dull. Gene Raymond, young and handsome, has a pleasant personality. Dolores del Río, although striking in appearance, is neither a strong nor distinctive actress. The film is mainly of interest because it introduces Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as a team. They only have one dance, but they instantly mesh, their dancing so smooth and elegant so as to make their pairing completely natural. They could not have been more ideally suited if they had been specifically made for each other.

TCM Film Festival, 2013

Flying Down to Rio was shown at the 2013 TCM Classic Film Festival as part of the Essentials category, meant to demonstrate filmmaking at its highest level and films that have enduring value. Actress Cybill Shepard, who introduced the film, noted the handsome 1930s styles seen in the art deco sets and the Walter Plunkett costumes. Shephard highlighted the difference in preferred female body form between the mid-1930s and today. The earlier era emphasized a curvier body with larger proportions than today's feminine ideal. Dolores del Río's outfits, by famous costume designer Irene, emphasize her beautiful curvy body.

Further Reading

TCM Classic Film Festival, 2013