Flying Down to Rio

A married aviation engineer devises a plan to stage a musical production in Brazil to impress his boss, and to get revenge on his wife for a past slight. He enlists the help of a retired bandleader, who in turn partners with a famous bandleader. Romance and spectacular musical numbers ensue as the troupe flies to Rio de Janeiro.

Flying Down to Rio was a significant box office success and is primarily remembered for being the first film to pair Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, launching their legendary partnership. Critics at the time praised the elaborate musical numbers and the chemistry between the leads, though some found the plot thin.

• Praised for its energetic musical sequences and groundbreaking Astaire-Rogers pairing.

• The film's plot is often considered secondary to its lavish song-and-dance numbers.

• A charming and visually impressive musical for its era.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the historical significance of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' first on-screen appearance together and the dazzling musical routines that set a high standard for future Hollywood musicals.

While Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are famously paired, they were not the romantic leads in this film; that honor went to Gene Raymond and Dolores del Río.