The best way to view "Rio Rita" is to put yourself in the place of a 1929 moviegoer. Sound was still new, the camera was static, technicians were learning their craft and actors were finding that their voice was a crucial component of their skill.
The film is propelled along by its novelty and the reputation of the stage version. It was released amid a flood of other film musicals, and the public was about to become inured to them.
Other reviewers have described the innards of "Rio Rita" so there's little point in dissecting it. I can't say I was absorbed by the plot, which is conventional. The acting is competent and the music is somewhat tuneful. My interest was sparked when the black-and-white turned to color. Early Technicolor is a curiosity; some colors are bright while others are either muddy or absent. Nevertheless, it's eyecatching. The costumes are fine but the sets are rather dull and don't take full advantage of the available palette.
The movie is diverting and you may want to view it a second time. Those who appreciate film history will enjoy it more than the average film buff.
The film is propelled along by its novelty and the reputation of the stage version. It was released amid a flood of other film musicals, and the public was about to become inured to them.
Other reviewers have described the innards of "Rio Rita" so there's little point in dissecting it. I can't say I was absorbed by the plot, which is conventional. The acting is competent and the music is somewhat tuneful. My interest was sparked when the black-and-white turned to color. Early Technicolor is a curiosity; some colors are bright while others are either muddy or absent. Nevertheless, it's eyecatching. The costumes are fine but the sets are rather dull and don't take full advantage of the available palette.
The movie is diverting and you may want to view it a second time. Those who appreciate film history will enjoy it more than the average film buff.