Flying Down to Rio (1933)

My Review

“Flying Down to Rio” is a musical-comedy film about a couple in Miami who relocate to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with their musical talents in tow. Director Thornton Freeland put together a pre-Code motion picture which is a little rough around the edges with a mediocre screenplay, poor production values, and not-so-good performances.

The stars of the show are Dolores del Rio and Gene Raymond as the main characters. However, the producers do redeem themselves, and the film, by introducing two co-stars who make the film memorable. They are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in supporting roles. This was their first appearance together, and, for the next nine pictures, would have the starring roles. “Flying Down to Rio” was a big hit at the Depression Era box office for RKO Radio Pictures.

The films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers include “Flying Down to Rio” (1933), “The Gay Divorcee” (1934), “Roberta” (1935), “Top Hat” (1935), “Follow the Fleet” (1936), “Swing Time” (1936), “Shall We Dance” (1937), “Carefree” (1938), “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle” (1939), and “The Barkleys of Broadway” (1949).