Tonight's Movie: Down Argentine Way (1940)

DOWN ARGENTINE WAY is another of Fox's beautiful candy-colored musicals set in an exotic location. Wealthy horse owners Betty Grable and Don Ameche are instantly smitten with each other, but a family feud threatens to keep them apart. This being a happy 1940 musical, there's little chance their problems will last, and in the meantime we get to enjoy Carmen Miranda, playing herself in her U.S. film debut, as well as the Nicholas Brothers, who perform one of their most exciting routines.

The supporting cast also includes Charlotte Greenwood, who would soon thereafter appear with Ameche and Grable in MOON OVER MIAMI, and the marvelous Henry Stephenson, a character actor who was memorable in films such as LITTLE WOMEN (1933) and CAPTAIN BLOOD. As was often the case in Fox movies of this era, the film features gorgeous gowns by Travis Banton; the color, sets, and costumes alone are something to see. The movie is 90 minutes long.

DOWN ARGENTINE WAY is available on DVD. Extras include a commentary track and an episode of BIOGRAPHY. The DVD can be purchased individually or as part of the new four-movie Betty Grable Collection.

This film is also available on VHS.