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That Night in Rio

Name: That Night in Rio
Director: Irving Cummings
Released: 1941
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

1941

Director

Irving Cummings

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

That Night in Rio is a classic 1940s studio production aimed at providing entertainment. It prioritizes musical spectacle and romantic clichés over any attempts at social disruption or progressive narrative innovation. The film's strength lies in its ethnic texture, particularly through the central role of Carmen Miranda. This provides a layer of diversity that sets it apart from typical domestic comedies of the time. However, the work remains firmly rooted in the period's status quo. It uses a foreign setting as a comedic device rather than a means to explore deeper cultural issues or nuanced identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does That Night in Rio have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows strict conventions that assume everyone is straight and cisgender. There are no representations of non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does That Night in Rio portray gender?

Limited

Carmen Miranda demonstrates professional success as a performer, but the plot revolves around male-driven social interactions. The ending emphasizes traditional courtship.

How racially and ethnically diverse is That Night in Rio?

Fair

The film centers on Carmen Miranda, presenting a non-Anglo-Saxon performer. However, it uses 'tropicalist' clichés and exoticized versions of Brazilian culture.

How does That Night in Rio represent religion and culture?

Limited

The setting serves as a colorful backdrop for Hollywood escapism without deep cultural exploration. It reinforces Western cinematic norms through a sense of novelty.

Does That Night in Rio include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative focuses solely on able-bodied socialites and performers. There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The central role of Carmen Miranda adds a layer of ethnic texture and racialized casting.
The film provides a significant platform for a non-Anglo-Saxon performer within the musical spectacle.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on 'tropicalist' clichés and exoticized aesthetics instead of authentic cultural exploration.
Gender dynamics are tied to traditional courtship and male-driven plot movements.
The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

An entertainer in Rio impersonates a wealthy aristocrat. When the aristocrat's wife asks him to carry the impersonation further, complications ensue.

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