Generally speaking, when one hears the word “wow,” one immediately thinks that the speaker is referring to something marvelous and wonderful. However, the word “wow” also can refer to something really bad. I regret to inform you that this “wow” I’m about to offer is of the latter variety.
Wow.
I rented “Flying Down to Rio” because it is the first movie Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers ever made together. Their star quality shines through the minute they appear on the screen – they’re the only actors in this film with any personality whatsoever. The problem is, theirs is a secondary storyline and we aren’t supposed to be very interested in them.
The main couple is comprised of a skirt-chasing band leader (Gene Raymond) and a flirtatious Brazilian heiress (Dolores Del Rio) who is already engaged to another man. She thinks nothing of leading him on, and he thinks nothing of letting her. When her flight back home to Rio is missed, he offers to fly her down. (He’s a pilot as well as a bandleader. Very convenient.) Once in Rio, he discovers that she’s engaged to a Brazilian friend of his, and it’s all a big ol’ love triangle from there. Top that off with some of the most boring and tedious band routines ever written, garnish it with strange facial expressions and weird eye makeup, and you’ve pretty much got this film. Oh, I forgot – she wears really outrageous sleeves. I mean, you could make whole additional dresses out of her sleeves.
Now, back to Fred and Ginger.
You know, Fred was not a good-looking man, and Ginger was no singer. And yet, they had what it took to make it in Hollywood – personality and talent. While they did essentially play the same characters in every single movie (with the names changed, of course) just as predictable was the entertainment factor. From this first movie, it was obvious that a team had been formed. Their give and take was excellent, and she was a good match for Fred’s amazing dance ability.
I only recommend this movie if you’re a huge Fred and Ginger fan. And, if you are, fast-forward to just their scenes. (I’m going to save you lots of time with this suggestion.) There aren’t a whole lot of Fred/Ginger scenes, but it’s fun to watch the beginning of an era unfold in front of your eyes.
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