Acensbart
Excellent but underrated film
Portia Hilton
Blistering performances.
Fatma Suarez
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
TheLittleSongbird
As a fan of musicals and who gets great enjoyment out of seeing Jane Powell and Carmen Miranda, 'Nancy Goes to Rio' didn't disappoint at all, actually getting more or less what was expected.Only the story in 'Nancy Goes to Rio' isn't so good. It does go overboard on the silliness and is both thin and too busy at times, with narrative surprises next to none. The ending is also rather abrupt and strange and the romance is bland somewhat and feels like an afterthought.However, as to be expected, 'Nancy Goes to Rio' is a glorious-looking film. The sets and costumes are suitably opulent and complemented beautifully by the radiant cinematography and the big, bold and rich colours.The music is always a pleasant listen and infectiously upbeat. "Magic is the Moonlight" and especially "Shine on Harvest Moon" stand out, as does Carmen Miranda's colourful and to-be-seen-to-be-believed second production number. Nice use of "Quando M'En Vo" too from Puccini's 'La Boheme'. The choreography is cleverly done, especially in Miranda's second production number.Furthermore the script is filled with snappy lines that crackle in energy and wit, the whole film is breezily directed and the whole film is just full of fun and charm, just perfect for 100 minutes escapist entertainment.Jane Powell is her usual pert and charming self and is in wonderful voice. Ann Southern more than matches her as her mother. Meanwhile Carmen Miranda is a riot in material that shows off her talent splendidly, Louis Culhern is sparkling comedic support and Barry Sullivan is effectively subdued without being bland.On the whole, a Technicolor and musical treat, as long as you don't demand too much. 8/10 Bethany Cox
jarrodmcdonald-1
Every actor contributes significantly to this picture. Ann Sothern and Jane Powell deliver in ways they are expected to; and even Louis Calhern performs a number in a rare musical role. Barry Sullivan adds charm as the leading man, and Hans Conried, in a bit part, is letter-perfect as ever. But Carmen Miranda is the one that walks off with the movie, in two show-stopping numbers. Sidney Sheldon's script has a lot of humor in it. Filmed in glorious Technicolor with some good on-location footage of Rio, including the carnival and parade at night. This was a remake of Universal's earlier film It's a Date, where the young ingénue was Deanna Durbin, and the mother was played by Kay Francis (who did not sing).
JLRMovieReviews
Aspiring actress Jane Powell and mother and actress Ann Sothern find they're not only wanting the same play, but the same man in this musical comedy. Barry Sullivan is the man in question, who overhears Jane practicing her lines for a play, while sailing on a ship to Rio and is under the misapprehension that she is in the family way. So he proposes to her to keep her from being compromised. But when he sees her mother Ann Sothern, things get more complicated. I do agree with another reviewer that this is basically a pleasant little film, but for some reason, I had a problem with the storyline of his proposal and the love triangle. It all seemed a bit too ridiculous and frustrating to me. The highlights of the films really are the musical numbers, especially Carmen Miranda's. I really want to see this again, for two reasons, one to really give the film, on the whole, another shot, because the plot didn't seem to come off believable to me. (Maybe also, Barry Sullivan seemed too bland and not charming enough to make it believable that Jane Powell would fall for him. I don't know.) And, two, to see again the wonderful musical numbers. For what it is, it's enjoyable. But it's no Top Hat. Costarring Louis Calhern, this trip to Rio at least makes you forget your own problems and shows Carmen Miranda at her best!
estesranger
Amusing performances from all.And who cares if they didn't shoot the film on location? In 1950, how many studios went and shot musicals on location? It's not "Mutiny on the Bounty"! And accusations of racism with the "Latin" comment? Yeah, I lived in Rio, too. And people there know how to enjoy a good Carmen Miranda musical without pulling a conniption fit over the term "Latin."Laugh out loud story. And Louis Calhern as the casual father and grandfather is outrageous and endearing. The brushing up on his boxing with the butler was great.
