(1947)
2.5
Craig Butler
Simply because of the talent involved, Copacabana should be a hilarious treat. After all, what could be more interesting that teaming up the uniquely bizarre Carmen Miranda with the bizarrely unique Groucho Marx? Sure enough, the stars don't disappoint, but their talents are squandered in a vehicle that is as dull and pedestrian as one can imagine. The premise -- that Groucho tries to pass his client Carmen off as two different performers -- is certainly full of promise, but it's as if the writers exhausted themselves coming up with it and couldn't find the energy to do anything original or interesting with it. Even these two personalities need material, and what they have here is weak, weak, weak. There are highlights, of course, including Groucho exulting "Go West, Young Man," and Carmen sinking her teeth into "Tico Tico," but not enough to make the film special. In addition, Groucho seems a bit at sea without his brothers and Margaret Dumont; the creators haven't figured out a context into which his special personality can be shown off to its best advantage, and that hurts things. So, for that matter, do the bland performances of Andy Russell, Steve Cochran and Gloria Jean. Copacabana is a missed opportunity, redeemed somewhat by its stars.
Copacabana on AllMovie
Copacabana (1947)
