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''Copacabana'' is a 1947 American
musical Musical is the adjective of music. Musical may also refer to: * Musical theatre, a performance art that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance * Musical film Musical film is a film genre in which songs by the Character (arts), charac ...
comedy film The comedy film is a film genre that emphasizes humor. These films are designed to amuse audiences and make them laugh. Films in this genre typically have a happy ending, with dark comedy being an exception to this rule. Comedy is one of the o ...
directed by
Alfred E. Green Alfred Edward Green (July 11, 1889 – September 4, 1960) was an American film director. Green entered film in 1912 as an actor for the Selig Polyscope Company. He became an assistant to director Colin Campbell. Biography Green was born on Jul ...
starring
Carmen Miranda Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha (9 February 1909 – 5 August 1955), known professionally as Carmen Miranda (), was a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress. Nicknamed "The Brazilian Bombshell", she was known for her signature ...
,
Groucho Marx Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx (; October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer who performed in films and vaudeville on television, radio, and the stage. He is considered one of America's greatest comed ...
, and
Steve Cochran Steve Cochran (born Robert Alexander Cochran, May 25, 1917 – June 15, 1965) was an American film, television and stage actor. He attended the University of Wyoming. After a stint working as a cowboy, Cochran developed his acting skills in loca ...
. The film is a showcase for Miranda, who performs several numbers in her usual style, including a high-energy rendition of " Tico-Tico". Groucho, as Lionel, her fiancé and agent, also sings a musical number, "Go West, Young Man", wearing his traditional greasepaint brows, mustache, and baggy suit. This was Groucho's first significant film appearance as a solo act, minus Harpo and Chico. Anne (
Gloria Jean Gloria Jean (born Gloria Jean Schoonover; April 14, 1926 – August 31, 2018) was an American actress and singer who starred or co-starred in 26 feature films from 1939 to 1959, and made numerous radio, television, stage, and nightclub app ...
), at the urging of Andy ( Andy Russell), sings a song called "Stranger Things Have Happened", admitting her unrequited love for her employer, Steve (
Steve Cochran Steve Cochran (born Robert Alexander Cochran, May 25, 1917 – June 15, 1965) was an American film, television and stage actor. He attended the University of Wyoming. After a stint working as a cowboy, Cochran developed his acting skills in loca ...
).


Plot

Lionel Q. Devereaux and his alluring girlfriend, Brazilian singer Carmen Navarro, have been engaged for 10 years. They are highly unsuccessful nightclub performers, due to Lionel's total lack of talent. They stay at an upscale hotel in New York City. One day, they get a 24-hour notice to pay their bill, but they lack the funds to oblige. They hurriedly try to convince the big-shot producer Steve Hunt to give Carmen a job at the Club Copacabana, and with the help of the easily convinced, gullible singer Andy Russell, posing as an agent, they achieve their goal to get her an audition. When the producer asks Lionel and Russell whom else they represent, they invent out of thin air a veiled, mysterious beauty from Paris and call her Fifi. They persuade Carmen to play the part of Fifi. The producer hires both ladies for the job, but Fifi is the new big sensation who gets mentioned in the press. Steve is very attracted to the girls, and to protect Carmen from the producer, Lionel tells him that he is engaged to be married to Carmen. Steve then turns to Fifi and asks her out, instead. Desperate to solve the troublesome situation, Lionel asks Carmen to play Fifi and go on a date with the producer, veiled as usual. Another complication to add to the plot is that Anne, Steve's secretary, is in love with the producer, and not very keen on him going on a date with Fifi. Andy tries to fix up Steve and Anne, to save both himself and Carmen from discovery. He gets Anne to sing her feelings towards Steve, in an attempt to make him more attracted to and aware of her. The plan does not work, as Steve shows no interest in Anne. A Hollywood movie producer, Anatole Murphy, takes an interest in Fifi, and makes a generous offer to Steve, to take over Lionel's contract for the sum of $100,000, which he refuses. At the same time, an agent named Liggett persuades Lionel to sell Fifi's contract to him for the lesser sum of $5,000. Murphy, in turn, pays $100,000 to Liggett. Liggett becomes suspicious, though, since he sees how the veiled Fifi gets into a taxi, and then Carmen comes out of it. Anne reveals to Carmen that the mysterious Fifi has made her getting Steve's attention impossible. To help Anne out, Lionel and Carmen stage a fight between Carmen and Fifi in Carmen's dressing room. The fight ends with Fifi disappearing. Lionel reports back to Steve that Fifi has been found dead in the river, but he also expresses his feeling of joy over "killing" her. The conversation is overheard, and he is blamed and arrested for Fifi's murder. Lionel tries to explain to the police during the investigation that he only made Fifi up. In the meantime, Steve confesses to Anne that he only expressed an interest in Fifi because of his business, and that he is in love with Anne. Carmen enters the scene, dressed as Fifi, but removes her veil in front of everybody, showing that Carmen and Fifi are one and the same. The film producer, Murphy, offers to sign a contract with Carmen, to use her as an actor in his productions, and also wants to buy the story for a film. Lionel becomes involved in the following film productions, and gets credit for almost everything, from casting to storyline. The picture opens with a song about the Club Copacabana.


Cast

*
Carmen Miranda Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha (9 February 1909 – 5 August 1955), known professionally as Carmen Miranda (), was a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress. Nicknamed "The Brazilian Bombshell", she was known for her signature ...
as Carmen Navarro / Mademoiselle Fifi *
Groucho Marx Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx (; October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer who performed in films and vaudeville on television, radio, and the stage. He is considered one of America's greatest comed ...
as Lionel Q. Devereaux *
Steve Cochran Steve Cochran (born Robert Alexander Cochran, May 25, 1917 – June 15, 1965) was an American film, television and stage actor. He attended the University of Wyoming. After a stint working as a cowboy, Cochran developed his acting skills in loca ...
as Steve Hunt * Andy Russell as Himself *
Gloria Jean Gloria Jean (born Gloria Jean Schoonover; April 14, 1926 – August 31, 2018) was an American actress and singer who starred or co-starred in 26 feature films from 1939 to 1959, and made numerous radio, television, stage, and nightclub app ...
as Anne Stuart *
Abel Green Abel Green (June 3, 1900 – May 10, 1973) was an American journalist best known as the editor of '' Variety'' for forty years. Sime Silverman first hired Green as a reporter in 1918, and Green's byline first appeared on May 30, 1919. Biograp ...
as Himself (editor of ''
Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...
'' magazine) *
Louis Sobol Louis Sobol (August 10, 1896 – February 9, 1986) was a journalist, Broadway gossip columnist, and radio host. Sobol wrote for Hearst newspapers for forty years, and was considered one of the country's most popular columnists. Sobol wrote about ...
as Himself, columnist * Earl Wilson as Himself *
Ralph Sanford Ralph Dayton Sanford (May 21, 1899 – June 20, 1963) was an American film actor. He appeared in more than 180 films and in at least 200 episodes on television between 1930 and 1960, mostly bit parts or supporting roles. Sanford frequently ...
as Liggett *
The DeCastro Sisters The DeCastro Sisters were an American singing group. They originally consisted of Cuban American sisters Peggy DeCastro (1921–2004), Cherie DeCastro (1922–2010) and Babette DeCastro (1925–1992). When Babette retired in 1958, a cousin, Ol ...
as Themselves *
Andrew Tombes Andrew Tombes (29 June 1885 – 17 March 1976) was an American comedian and character actor. Biography The son of a grocer, originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, Tombes was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy. Early in his career, he worked as a v ...
as Anatole Murphy * Frank J. Scannell as Joe Lane *
Mari Blanchard Mari Blanchard (born Mary E. Blanchard, April 13, 1923 – May 10, 1970) was an American film and television actress, known foremost for her roles as a B movie'' femme fatale'' in American productions of the 1950s and early 1960s. Early life a ...
as Copa Girl Kay Marvis, Groucho's then-wife, has a small role as a clerk from whom Groucho tries to mooch a cigar.


Production

According to a report in the ''
Hollywood Reporter ''The Hollywood Reporter'' (''THR'') is an American digital and print magazine which focuses on the Hollywood film, television, and entertainment industries. It was founded in 1930 as a daily trade paper, and in 2010 switched to a weekly larg ...
'' (June 1944), independent producer Jack H. Skirball was originally set to make the film, with assistance from Monte Proser. Around the same time,
George Raft George Raft (né Ranft; September 26, 1901 – November 24, 1980) was an American film actor and dancer identified with portrayals of gangsters in crime melodramas of the 1930s and 1940s. A stylish leading man in dozens of movies, Raft is remembe ...
was announced as a potential lead for the film. The film's origins trace back to when
United Artists United Artists (UA) is an American film production and film distribution, distribution company owned by Amazon MGM Studios. In its original operating period, it was founded in February 1919 by Charlie Chaplin, D. W. Griffith, Mary Pickford an ...
suggested to Sam Coslow that the studio could use a musical film to balance its release schedule. Coslow discussed the idea with George Frank, Carmen Miranda's manager, and Monte Proser and Walter Bachelor, managers of the famous New York City nightclub Copacabana, located at 10 East 60th St. They decided to combine Miranda with the Copacabana. This was Miranda’s first film after leaving 20th Century-Fox, the studio with which she had been under contract since 1940. Coslow wrote a story that included a dual role for Miranda. They made an agreement with David Hersh as their financial man, and the United Artists approved it. In August, Coslow cast
Gloria Jean Gloria Jean (born Gloria Jean Schoonover; April 14, 1926 – August 31, 2018) was an American actress and singer who starred or co-starred in 26 feature films from 1939 to 1959, and made numerous radio, television, stage, and nightclub app ...
for her first film since 1945. In September 1946, it was announced that
Groucho Marx Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx (; October 2, 1890 – August 19, 1977) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer who performed in films and vaudeville on television, radio, and the stage. He is considered one of America's greatest comed ...
would star. This was the first film in which Groucho would appear without his older brothers. It was also the first film where Groucho appeared with his own mustache, instead of a makeup one. Groucho received 10% of the profits. Coslow, Frank, Proser, Bachelor, and Hersh invested preproduction funds, including scriptwriter fees and secretarial expenses. They borrowed 65% of the $1,300,000 budget from a bank at 5% interest. The remaining 35% came from a private financing company. The film includes cameo appearances by Broadway writers
Abel Green Abel Green (June 3, 1900 – May 10, 1973) was an American journalist best known as the editor of '' Variety'' for forty years. Sime Silverman first hired Green as a reporter in 1918, and Green's byline first appeared on May 30, 1919. Biograp ...
(editor of ''
Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...
''), Louie Sobol (''
New York Journal-American :''Includes coverage of New York Journal-American and its predecessors New York Journal, The Journal, New York American and New York Evening Journal'' The ''New York Journal-American'' was a daily newspaper published in New York City from 1937 ...
''), and Earl Wilson (''
New York Post The ''New York Post'' (''NY Post'') is an American Conservatism in the United States, conservative daily Tabloid (newspaper format), tabloid newspaper published in New York City. The ''Post'' also operates three online sites: NYPost. ...
''). At the time of production, Groucho Marx was married to Kay Gorcey, who had a small role in this film. ''The Hollywood Reporter'' mentions that Chester Clute, Richard Elliott, Frank Scannell, Pierre Andre, and
Andrew Tombes Andrew Tombes (29 June 1885 – 17 March 1976) was an American comedian and character actor. Biography The son of a grocer, originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, Tombes was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy. Early in his career, he worked as a v ...
were added to the cast, but their involvement in the completed film was not confirmed. Pierre Andre was hired to perform a special dance number with Dee Turnell, according to ''The Hollywood Reporter''. Filming began on November 1, 1946, at Goldwyn Studios. In mid-February 1947, ''The Hollywood Reporter'' reported that producer Sam Coslow was considering reshooting scenes in which Miranda appeared with blonde hair, due to fan letters from Brazilian fans stating they preferred her as a brunette. The reshot scenes would be inserted only in copies released in South America, according to the item.


Soundtrack songs

*We've Come to the Copa — The Copa Girls * Tico-Tico no Fubá — Carmen Miranda *Je Vous Aime — Carmen Miranda *My Heart Was Doing a Bolero — Andy Russell *He Hasn't Got a Thing to Sell — Carmen Miranda and Andy Russell *To Make a Hit with Fifi — Carmen Miranda *Stranger Things Have Happened — Andy Russell *Stranger Things Have Happened — Gloria Jean *Go West, Young Man — Groucho Marx *Je Vous Aime — Andy Russell *Let's Do The Copacabana — Carmen Miranda


Critical reception

Bosley Crowther Francis Bosley Crowther Jr. (July 13, 1905 – March 7, 1981) was an American journalist, writer, and film critic for ''The New York Times'' for 27 years. His work helped shape the careers of many actors, directors and screenwriters, though some ...
's review of ''Copacabana'' in the ''
New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''NYT'') is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. ''The New York Times'' covers domestic, national, and international news, and publishes opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of ...
'' is quite negative. He begins by saying that the film follows the typical Hollywood nightclub movie formula, with clichéd sets, musical numbers, and shallow characters. The main attraction of the film is Groucho Marx, who without his brothers and his trademark mustache, plays the agent of an artist in an absurd plot. Crowther praises Groucho’s ability to make the most of the limited material, but notes that the absence of his usual comedic partners (the Marx Brothers) weakens the comedy, leaving the film lacking the sparkle that characterizes his previous work. Carmen Miranda, who plays two characters in the film, is mentioned as Groucho’s partner, but her performance as a singer is limited to making faces and playing exaggerated roles. Other actors such as Steve Cochran, Gloria Jean, and Andy Russell contribute to a boring romantic subplot, and the "Copa Girls" number is described as lackluster. Crowther concludes that despite efforts to keep the film lively, it lacks originality and energy, with a cast that fails to save the plot. Tina Hassannia from ''
Slant Magazine ''Slant Magazine'' is an American online publication that features reviews of movies, music, TV, DVDs, theater, and video games, as well as interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. The site covers various film festivals like the New Yor ...
'' gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as an irreverent musical that mixes love and hate toward show business. While it follows the stereotypical story of social ascent, the film stands out for its sarcasm and critique of the falseness and tricks necessary in the entertainment world. The film subtly criticizes Orientalism in Hollywood, addressing how Miranda was often perceived through the lens of the "Other", while her real talent was overshadowed by the exotic persona imposed on her. The review also mentions that despite its funny jokes and good music, the film is an escapist fantasy that reflects the reality of show business and the struggles of artists such as Miranda, whose careers were in decline at the time. Groucho Marx's presence, with his famous ''non sequitur''s, adds humor, but also serves as a façade for deeper criticism. The film is described as a mix of sarcasm, flattery, and sweetness, at times silly, but still entertaining. The review from ''AMC'' channel describes the film as a peculiar slapstick musical, with Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda forming an unusual pairing. The review notes that without his brothers, Groucho loses some of his energy, becoming somewhat "thin" when he is not delivering his usual sharp jokes. The text also points out that the musical numbers dominate the film, and the romantic subplot involving secondary characters takes up a significant portion of the narrative, making the second half of the film more tedious. Miranda's performance playing two different characters is fun for a short period, but the review suggests that this material is only enough to fill a sitcom episode. Despite this, the review emphasizes that Groucho Marx is still "at the top of his game" with his witty retorts, especially considering the less impressive cast around him. In the end, the review concludes that the film has its fun moments, but is, for the most part, a superficial entertainment spectacle. Rianne Hill Soriano’s review for ''
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'' points out that ''Copacabana'' might seem silly and cheesy by modern musical standards, but it has a certain charm due to its period production and the unexpected appeal of some of its comedic and musical scenes. While the film has aged predictably, its energy and pacing keep it surprisingly fun, especially for fans of old musicals and classic comedies. Craig Butler's review for ''
AllMovie AllMovie (previously All Movie Guide) is an online database with information about films, television programs, television series, and screen actors. , AllMovie.com and the AllMovie consumer brand are owned by RhythmOne. History AllMovie was ...
'' describes the film as "monotonous and prosaic," despite the talents of the lead stars, Carmen Miranda and Groucho Marx. Butler suggests that the idea of pairing these two icons could have been much more interesting. However, he believes that although the stars do not disappoint, their talents are underutilized in a film that lacks energy and originality, resulting in a cinematic experience without any standout moments. The critic emphasizes that the film drags predictably and lacks elements that would make it truly special or memorable. Sérgio Augusto wrote in Brazilian newspaper ''
Folha de S. Paulo ''Folha de S.Paulo'' (sometimes spelled ''Folha de São Paulo''), also known as simply ''Folha'' (, ''Sheet''), is a Brazilian daily newspaper founded in 1921 under the name ''Folha da Noite'' and published in São Paulo by the Folha da Manhã co ...
'' about how ''Copacabana'' is a disappointing film, especially for fans of Carmen Miranda. Instead of being a memorable classic, the film is seen as a bland chanchada, with a plot full of clichés and low-quality production. Augusto criticizes the direction of Alfred E. Green, whom he considers bureaucratic and uninspired, and the production of Sam Coslow, the composer of the film’s songs, most of which are described as atrocious. He also mentions the presence of fake sambas and points out that Carmen Miranda is forced to sing in French while portraying a French character, Mademoiselle Fifi, in a role that feels more like a caricature than an authentic performance. The pairing of Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda, though potentially interesting, is seen as underused, making the film monotonous, though there is still some charm in the jokes and interactions between the two leads. In terms of music, " Tico-Tico no Fubá" is the only song that stands out among the many weak numbers, including "How to Make a Hit with Fifi" and "I Haven't a Thing to Sell." Ultimately, the review laments that the film does not live up to expectations, offering a spectacle without the energy and magic one might expect from a movie starring Carmen Miranda and Groucho Marx.


Lawsuit

As reported in ''
Los Angeles Times The ''Los Angeles Times'' is an American Newspaper#Daily, daily newspaper that began publishing in Los Angeles, California, in 1881. Based in the Greater Los Angeles city of El Segundo, California, El Segundo since 2018, it is the List of new ...
'' on 14 July 1953, Murray P. Koch sued Coslow and George Frank for $80,000, money he claimed to have advanced Beacon to aid in the making of this film. Along with Walter Batchelor and David Hersh, both of whom were dead by the time the suit was filed, Frank and Coslow held a controlling interest in Beacon, which was deemed insolvent. The disposition of this lawsuit is not known. According to ''The Hollywood Reporter'', the film was obtained for re-release by Hal R. Makelim's Atlas Pictures Co. in Jan 1954. The film was also re-issued in July 1972.


Home media

The film was released on DVD by
Republic Pictures Republic Pictures is currently an acquisition-only label owned by Paramount Pictures. Its history dates back to Republic Pictures Corporation, an American film studio that originally operated from 1935 to 1967, based in Los Angeles, California ...
through
Artisan Entertainment Artisan Entertainment (formerly known as U.S.A. Home Video, International Video Entertainment (IVE) and LIVE Entertainment) was an American film studio and home video company. It was considered one of the largest mini-major film studios until i ...
in 2003. In 2013, Olive Films released a new DVD and Blu-ray of the film.


References


External links

* * *
Copacabana
' at
Turner Classic Movies Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is an American movie channel, movie-oriented pay television, pay-TV television network, network owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Launched in 1994, Turner Classic Movies is headquartered at Turner's Techwood broadcas ...
*
Copacabana
' at
NNDB The Notable Names Database (NNDB) is an online database of biographical details of over 40,000 people. Soylent Communications, a sole proprietorship that also hosted the later defunct Rotten.com, describes NNDB as an "intelligence aggregator" ...
*
The Marx Brothers Council Podcast discussing "Copacabana"
{{Alfred E. Green 1947 films 1947 musical comedy films American musical comedy films American black-and-white films 1940s English-language films United Artists films Films directed by Alfred E. Green Films scored by Edward Ward (composer) 1940s American films Films set in New York City English-language musical comedy films