You Were Never Lovelier(1942). Comedy, set in Buenos Aires. Cast: Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth, Adolphe Menjou and Xavier Cugat, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Directed: William A. Seiter.
This is the second of Astaire's performances with Hayworth. With beautiful production numbers: "I'm Old Fashioned", and a trio dance routines. When production was complete, he was so pleased with Cugat and his orchestra performance that he presented him with a silver baton. Hayworth had a wonderful voice, Harry Cohn insisted on her singing being dubbed by Nan Wynn.
The story begins with Robert Davis, as an American dancer who is looking for a job in Buenos Aires after losing all his money gambling. Bob's friend, bandleader Xavier Cugat, invites him to perform at a wedding to addition for the bride's father, Eduardo Acuña, who owns a local nightclub.
Acuña begins sending orchids and love notes to her from an unknown suitor, with the hope that she will eventually find the love of her life. One day, Bob delivers the note and flower. Maria, sees Bob leaving and believes that he is her secret admirer. Maria asks her father to introduce them. He makes a deal with Bob: in exchange for performing at the club, Bob will play the part of the secret admirer and upset Maria with his obnoxious behavior.
The plan backfires and the two quickly fall in love. Angry Acuña orders Bob to leave Buenos Aires and composes a farewell love note. Acuña's wife sees him writing the note and suspects him of cheating on her. How will they clear up this terrible misunderstanding?
Rita Hayworth, was absolutely beautiful in this film. She and Fred dance wonderfully to one of my favorite Jerome Kern ballads, I'm Old Fashioned.
FUN FACTS:
Features a 15-year-old Fidel Castro as an extra.
Rita Hayworth's favorite film of her own.
Soundtracks:
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"You Were Never Lovelier"
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Played during the opening credits and often as background music
Played by the Xavier Cugat Orchestra and sung by Fred Astaire
Danced by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth at the anniversary party
Danced by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth at the end and sung by an offscreen chorus
"Chiu, Chiu"
(uncredited)
Written by Nicanor Molinare
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and sung and danced by Lina Romay,
Miguelito Valdés and chorus
"Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)"
(1850) (uncredited)
from "Lohengrin"
Written by Richard Wagner
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra at the wedding
"Dearly Beloved"
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and sung by Fred Astaire at the wedding
Reprised by Rita Hayworth dancing and singing (singing dubbed by Nan Wynn)
Played as background music often
"Wedding in the Spring"
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Played on piano and sung by Leslie Brooks and Adele Mara
Reprised by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra) and sung by Lina Romay and chorus,
"Audition Dance"
(uncredited)
Music is a collection of themes
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and danced by Fred Astaire
"Los Hijos de Buda"
(uncredited)
Written by Rafael Hernández and Noro Morales
Excerpts played for the Audition Dance
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and danced by Fred Astaire
"Bim Bam Bum"
(uncredited)
Written by Johnnie Camacho and Noro Morales
Excerpts played for the Audition Dance
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and danced by Fred Astaire
"Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 in C Sharp Minor"
(1847) (uncredited)
Written by Franz Liszt
Excerpts played for the Audition Dance
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and danced by Fred Astaire
"Eco"
(uncredited)
Written by Gilbert Valdes
Excerpts played for the Audition Dance
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and danced by Fred Astaire
"These Orchids"
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Played as background music for orchid deliveries
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and sung by the orchid delivery boys
"I'm Old Fashioned"
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Sung by Rita Hayworth (dubbed by Nan Wynn) and Fred Astaire
Danced by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth
Played as background music at the anniversary party
"The Shorty George"
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by Jerome Kern
Arranged by Lyle 'Spud' Murphy
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Played by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra and sung by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth and an offscreen chorus
Danced by Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth
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