RIO RITA

Rio Rita


MGM, 1942, B/W, 91 minutes, ***

Released April, 1942



Bud and Lou uncover a Nazi plot to brainwash the American people with secret radios disguised as apples. Better than average crazy antics by Abbott & Costello. Musical highlights include several numbers sung by lovely Kathryn Grayson (in her third feature film) and the beautiful Brazilian Dance.



Produced by: Pandro S. Berman

Directed by: S. Sylvan Simon

Screen Play by: Richard Connell and Gladys Lehman

Special Material for Abbott and Costello by: John Grant

Musical Direction: Herbert Stothart

Songs: "Rio Rita," "The Ranger's Song" by Harry Tierney and Joseph McCarthy;

"Long Before You Came Along" by E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen

Vocals and Orchestration: Murray Cutter, Leo Arnaud, Paul Marquardt

Choreography: Bobby Connolly, Vincente Minnelli and David Robel

Art Director: Cedric Gibbons

Associate: Eddie Imazu

Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis

Gowns by: Kalloch

Men's Wardrobe by: Gile Steele

Recording Director: Douglas Shearer

Special Effects: Warren Newcombe

Director of Photography: George Folsey

Film Editor: Ben Lewis



Cast: Bud Abbott [Doc], Lou Costello [Wishy], Kathryn Grayson [Rita Winslow], John Carroll [Ricardo Montera], Patricia Dane [Lucille Brunswick], Tom Conway [Maurice Craindall], Peter Whitney [Jake], Arthur Space [Trask], Joan Valerie [Dotty], Dick Rich [Gus], Barry Nelson [Harry Gantley], Eva Puig [Marianna], Mitchell Lewis [Julio], Eros Volusia [Dancer], Julian Rivero [Mexican Gentleman], Douglass Newland [Control Man], Lee Murray [Little Mexican], Inez Cooper [Pulque], Frank Perry [Chef]



Musical Program: [0:17] Long Before You Came Along (sung by Kathryn Grayson and John Carroll); [0:21] The Ranger's Song (sung by Kathryn Grayson, John Carroll and Chorus); [0:47] Rio Rita (sung by John Carroll); [0:54] Brazilian Dance (instrumental danced by Eros Volusia and Ensemble); [1:04] Ombres Légères ("Shadow Song" from the opera DINORAH, sung by Kathryn Grayson)