Brazilian serenade

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Movie
German title Brazilian serenade
Original title Brazil
Country of production United States
original language English
Publishing year 1944
length 91 minutes
Rod
Director Joseph Santley
Howard Lydecker (Second Unit)
script Frank Gill junior
Laura Kerr
production Robert North
for Republic Pictures Corp.
music Walter Scharf
camera Jack A. Marta
cut Fred Allen
Harry Gerstad
occupation

Brazilian Serenade (original title Brazil ) is an American musical film from 1944 directed by Joseph Santley . Virginia Bruce and Tito Guízar play the main roles in this story about a young couple who only find each other after various entanglements. The script is based on a story by Richard English .

The film was nominated for three Academy Awards in 1945 .

action

The American writer Nicky Henderson goes to Brazil to do research for a new book. When local reporters discover that she is the author of an unflattering book that asks the provocative question, "What are the arguments in favor of marrying a man of Latin American descent?" Nicky is given a cool reception. Only the diplomat Rod Walker, a former friend who has loved the young woman for a long time, greets her warmly. In a nightclub he introduces her to the famous dancers Veloz and Yolanda. But Nicky would like to collect impressions of the real Brazil. When the author is in a travel agency in Everett St. John Everett, she meets Miguel Soares, who poses as a tour guide to her because he believes Nicky is a travel writer. Miguel is a well-known Brazilian composer who also composed the hit Brazil . He is very taken with the beautiful young woman. Everett is worried because a new song composed by Miguel has to be ready in two weeks. However, he is unimpressed and says Nicky would inspire him so that he could keep the appointment. Nicky, desired by both Miguel and Rod Walker, leaves Rio with Rod to accompany him to his friend Señor Machada's ranch. Miguel, who is sad about this, is informed by Everett that Nicky is not a travel writer, but the author of the book "Why Marry a Latin?" The Brazilian then vows that he will make Nicky fall in love with himself and then break her heart.

Shortly afterwards he also goes to the ranch of Machada, who is an old friend of his family. There he asks Machada to spread that he only speaks Portuguese. The astonished Nicky is led to believe that Miguel, whom she met as a tour guide, is not identical to this Miguel, but rather his famous twin brother who composes. In fact, Nicky falls in love with Miguel and his romantic songs. When the composer, who has seriously fallen in love with Nicky, proposes to her, she accepts it to his great joy. Since Everett is concerned that Miguel will not live up to his obligations as a composer, he reveals to Nicky after a few days that there is only one Miguel and that Miguel is playing with her affection to get revenge for her book. As a result, Nicky returns to Rio, heartily unhappy, while Miguel finishes his song. Since there are travel restrictions in the city due to the war, Nicky has to stay for the time being and takes part in the carnival together with Rod . Miguel's song is played everywhere. He gets a prize for his song, but can't be really happy. Everett makes sure that the couple find themselves in a discotheque where Miguel is singing.

Production and Background

The film was shot from the beginning of June to the end of July 1944. The film premiered on November 14, 1944 in St. Louis , and then opened in New York cinemas on November 16, 1944 . George Parrish was responsible for the orchestral arrangements, Ary Barroso and Ned Washington composed and wrote the lyrics, as did Alvaro de S. Carvalho, Aloysio Oliveira, Hoagy Carmichael and SK Russell. Billy Daniels choreographed and staged the dance scenes. In one of the final scenes of country singer and actor Roy Rogers to see the Hands Across the Border sings.

According to Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter , author Richard English spent several months in South America doing research and writing a story around the song Brazil . The studio reportedly worked closely with various American and Brazilian officials to be as accurate as possible in the description. Howard Lydecker led the camera team and many background images were created in Rio de Janeiro and other areas of Brazil. For example, scenes from the coffee plantations, the carnival and various tourist attractions can be seen in the film. Billy Daniels, who also dances in the film, was loaned out by Paramount Pictures . Mexicana , also a Republic Pictures film made in 1945 under Alfred Santell's direction and in which Tito Guízar was again cast in a leading role, has almost the same plot as Brazil .

criticism

A review by the New York Times stated that the film script was far from causing a stir. The songs and dances are melodic and lively, but the plot is as exciting as a siesta. The songs Rio de Janeiro and Upa Upa and the beauty of Virginia Bruce were highlighted .

Variety praised the image design by Robert North, who provided sophisticated background images, with particular importance being attached to the scenes from the Carnival in Rio.

Awards / nominations

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Illustrated Film-Kurier Wien, No. 1215
  2. ↑ Brazil Notes at TCM - Turner Classic Movies (English)
  3. ↑ AW: Brazil (1944) The New York Times, November 20, 1944 (English)
  4. ↑ With Ary Barroso, Latin-American composer who did the lilting 'Brazil' song-dance number, contributing bulk of music, this is in the groove for all who like south-of-border music. variety.com (English)