Copacabana (1947)

Great Film overall

Excellent but underrated film

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Copyright 30 May 1947 by Beacon Productions, Inc. Released through United Artists. New York release at the Broadway: 11 July 1947. U.S. release: 30 May 1947. U.K. release: December 1947. Australian release: 20 November 1947. Sydney release at the Empire: 8 November 1947. 8,525 feet. 93½ minutes.SYNOPSIS: Agent induces not overbright nightclub manager to hire a non-existent double act.COMMENT: Groucho's first film without his brothers was not a box-office success despite the fact that he appeared "in character" for an attractively chorused (and costumed) song number, "Go West, Young Man". The energetic support of Carmen Miranda in a dual role, some pleasant songs and a bevy of "Copa Girls" could not save a lame and rather talkative script. The players try hard (Gloria Jean is particularly agreeable and has a catchy production number), and even Alfred E. Green (whose direction is usually ploddingly pedestrian) makes a few laudable attempts at atmosphere, pace and inventiveness. All to no avail. The jokes are stubbornly stale and heavy-handed, the plot unintentionally ridiculous, and the characters one-dimensionally garrulous.Copacabana could be saved - it would cut down to a fairly entertaining two-reeler for nightclub buffs. Of course this would remove most of Mr Marx and as he is the reason most people will want to see Copacabana, such drastic trimming is not likely. A pity. I've got a soft spot myself for the old Groucho, but Copacabana sticks him with such gummy material it's downright impossible to unglue.

This is worthwhile motion picture entertainment. It shows off the considerable talents of Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda, not to mention their highly unusual chemistry, and leads the casual classic movie viewer to an enjoyable experience.The budget of this independent United Artists release could have been larger, because a few of the sets do appear a bit chintzy, as if they have been constructed quickly and cheaply. But the lavish musical numbers are more than acceptable and convey great style and extravagance, more than countering the picture's other visual shortcomings.Particularly impressive is a charming dream scene that Gloria Jean performs with Steve Cochran (a much-underrated actor). And how can one not become an immediate fan of singer Andy Russell whose vocal talents are amply on display during the proceedings?

In New York City, Lionel Q. Devereaux (Groucho Marx) and his fiancée Carmen Novarro (Carmen Miranda) are unsuccessfully trying to find a spot in the show business. Lionel introduces himself to Steve Hunt (Steve Cochran), who owns the famous Copacabana nightclub, as an important agent and convinces Steve to see the presentation of Carmen. He enjoys the show and asks for another attraction; Lionel convinces Carmen to wear a veil and perform another song and introduces her to Steve as the French singer Mademoiselle Fifi. Steve hires both singers and Carmen has to change clothes and identities between her performances. When she sees Lionel flirting with a Copa Girl, Mlle. Fifi accepts the invitation to have dinner with Steve, hurting the feelings of his secretary Anne Stuart (Gloria Jean) that is in love with him. The situation gets complicated and Carmen simulates an argument with Mlle. Fifi with her subsequent disappearance, originating an investigation of the police where the prime suspect is Lionel. "Copacabana" is a delightfully naive and entertaining movie from a time when the society was extremely innocent and could buy such ingenuous story. The plot, i.e., the double-identity of Carmen Miranda, is totally absurd but the situation of Lionel after the disappearance of Mlle. Fifi was remade by Billy August in 1963 in "Irma La Douce". Groucho Marx is funny and responsible for the best moments of this movie; but the subplots with the silly romance of Anne and Steve, and the participation of the weird singer Andy Russell should be better written. The songs are boring and dated in 2009, but Carmen Miranda was very successful in those years and sings the famous "Tico-Tico no Fubá". My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Copacabana"

If you love Groucho Marx or love musicals this is the movie for you. Groucho Marx is still the funniest man alive. Groucho Marx is witty as a slippery agent to Carmen Miranda in this movie. I am a fan of anything he does or anything the "Marx Bros." are invovled with. (even though this is a solo act)This movie has it all musical numbers and laughs. The chemistry between Carmen Miranda(Carmen Novarro)and Groucho (Lionel Q.Deveraux) is incredible. I will go into the plot well it has to do with anarchy and misinformation with has been a playing ground of Groucho's for years. I would like to thank Groucho and his brothers for making me laugh when my our life I sometimes don't have much to laugh at. Fellas you were trully are blessed. Thank You. P.S. Mr. Deveraux even brings back an old friend for a song and dance... don't ask you can't afford him.