Watch Down Argentine Way
- NR
- 1940
- 1 hr 29 min
-
6.4 (1,346)
Down Argentine Way is an American musical film released in 1940. Directed by Irving Cummings, the film stars Don Ameche, Betty Grable, and Carmen Miranda in lead roles. It is a lively and entertaining film that showcases music, dance, romance, and humour. The story of the film revolves around a wealthy American rancher named Ricardo Quintana (played by Don Ameche), who travels to Argentina with the intention of buying some prize horses. However, there he meets and falls in love with Glenda Crawford (played by Betty Grable), a talented singer and dancer. Ricardo tries to impress Glenda with his horse-riding skills, but she is not impressed. Instead, she suggests that he sponsor her brother, Buddy (played by Jackie Coogan), who is a talented performer. Ricardo agrees and takes them both to Buenos Aires.
In Buenos Aires, the Crawford siblings get their big break when they are invited to perform at a nightclub owned by Mr. Acuña (played by Henry Stephenson), a wealthy and influential man. However, their success is threatened when Mr. Acuña's daughter, Tita (played by Carmen Miranda), becomes jealous of Glenda's popularity and tries to sabotage the show. Meanwhile, Ricardo faces a rival suitor, Carlos (played by J. Carrol Naish), who also has eyes for Glenda.
The film is filled with colourful and lively musical numbers, featuring the talents of Betty Grable and Carmen Miranda. These sequences are expertly choreographed by Hermes Pan and Dave Gould, and they make for some of the film's most memorable moments. One standout number is "Bambu," in which Carmen Miranda performs a vibrant and energetic dance on a bamboo set.
The romance between Ricardo and Glenda is also a highlight of the film. Although their relationship hits a few bumps along the way, their chemistry is undeniable. Don Ameche and Betty Grable have great on-screen chemistry, and their performances bring a sense of warmth and charm to the film. In particular, Grable's singing and dancing abilities shine through, making her a standout performer.
The film's setting in Argentina also adds to its appeal. The film features beautiful scenic shots of the country, including shots of the Pampas and the Andes Mountains. Additionally, the film includes elements of Argentine culture, such as the tango, which gives the film a sense of authenticity and exoticism.
Overall, Down Argentine Way is a fun and lively musical that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Its talented cast, catchy musical numbers, and exotic setting make it a classic Hollywood musical that has stood the test of time.
Down Argentine Way is a 1940 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.