Aspiring actress Jane Powell and mother and actress Ann Sothern find they're not only wanting the same play, but the same man in this musical comedy. Barry Sullivan is the man in question, who overhears Jane practicing her lines for a play, while sailing on a ship to Rio and is under the misapprehension that she is in the family way. So he proposes to her to keep her from being compromised. But when he sees her mother Ann Sothern, things get more complicated. I do agree with another reviewer that this is basically a pleasant little film, but for some reason, I had a problem with the storyline of his proposal and the love triangle. It all seemed a bit too ridiculous and frustrating to me. The highlights of the films really are the musical numbers, especially Carmen Miranda's. I really want to see this again, for two reasons, one to really give the film, on the whole, another shot, because the plot didn't seem to come off believable to me. (Maybe also, Barry Sullivan seemed too bland and not charming enough to make it believable that Jane Powell would fall for him. I don't know.) And, two, to see again the wonderful musical numbers. For what it is, it's enjoyable. But it's no Top Hat. Costarring Louis Calhern, this trip to Rio at least makes you forget your own problems and shows Carmen Miranda at her best!
Review of Nancy Goes to Rio
