CARMEN MIRANDA X 2
THE GANG'S ALL HERE
In December, we salute one of Hollywood cinema’s most dynamic and colorful performers, the Brazilian bombshell Carmen Miranda. Our tribute consists of two screenings of Miranda classics shown on restored 35mm prints from the archives of 20th Century Fox. In Hollywood’s first vehicle for Miranda, Down Argentine Way, she plays a version of herself who serves as support for the romance between Don Ameche and Betty Grable. Then, Miranda’s “Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat” is just one of the show-stopping numbers in Busby Berkeley’s eye-popping Technicolor treat The Gang’s All Here. Plus, a special talk on Carmen Miranda from UW Madison Professor Kathryn Sanchez, author of “Creating Carmen Miranda: Race, Camp, and Transnational Stardom.”
- Fri., Dec. 7 | 6:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
This special lecture on the art of Carmen Miranda will be delivered by Kathryn Sanchez, UW Madison Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese and the author of “Creating Carmen Miranda: Race, Camp, and Transnational Stardom.” The talk and Q&A will be followed by a screening of Down Argentine Way.
- Fri., Dec. 7 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
In her Hollywood debut, Carmen Miranda plays herself and she is a dynamic wonder singing several numbers with her original Brazilian band. Miranda also lends support to the romantic storyline between American Grable (in the role that launched her stardom) and Argentinian horse breeder Ameche. A dance sequence featuring the jaw-dropping choreography of the Nicholas Brothers is just one of the many highlights in this fun Technicolor gem.
- Fri., Dec. 14 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
In one of the most dazzling of 40s Technicolor musicals, a benefit show with a variety of performers serves as the setting for the nominal romance between a USO volunteer (Faye) and a soldier. Berkeley’s eye-popping choreography reached its zenith with Miranda’s “Lady in the Tutti-Frutti Hat” number and the indescribable “Polka Dot” finale, showcased here in a superb 35mm print from the Fox archives.