Rio Rita Review
Aside from a couple of songs, there's little similarity between this Rio Rita and the earlier film or stage show. That will be of little concern except for musical theatre aficionados or fans of the earlier film version, neither of which is the target audience for this "remake," that audience being those who simply can't get enough of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Fans of the comedy team will find plenty here to entertain them, even if Rita is not one of their best vehicles. Director S. Sylvan Simon can't find the right tone, the right air of inescapable madness that shows Abbott & Costello off to their very best, and MGM is a trifle too stuffy, even when it lets its hair down, for these two. Still, there are a number of episodes that do come off very well, such as Costello's adventure with (and in) the washing machine. The plot concocted for the film keeps getting in way, and the supporting characters are given a bit too much screen time; but at least those players include Tom Conway, in fine form, and Kathryn Grayson, in fine voice. Not a classic, but fans could definitely do worse. (Non-fans should just stay away, as usual.) Craig Butler, Rovi
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