Review of Flying Down to Rio (1933) by Art S — 22 Dec 2013

This is the first time Fred Astaire met Ginger Rogers on screen - and they weren't the leads. Their chemistry is apparent, even though they dance only briefly (compared to their 9 subsequent films).

Instead, Gene Raymond and Dolores del Rio star as a skirt-chasing bandleader and a Brazilian debutante (respectively). She is betrothed to another and this adds a complication to the plot. A further complication involves a hotel opening the band are supposed to play at that is cancelled suddenly due to a lack of entertainment license.

Of course, the show goes on - including an array of chorus girls dressed in pre-Code attire riding on airplanes and biplanes. The rear projector was really working overtime. A frivolous bit of fun here but moving Fred and Ginger center screen would eventually work wonders.