Boom-A-Chic-A-Boom Chicks!

September 21, 2010

Who remembers those wonderful old musicals featuring such great talents as Carmen Miranda, Alice Faye, Betty Grable, and a host of other singers and dancers who mesmerized audiences with their lavish costumes, dazzling vocals, phantasmagoric sets, and make-you-get-off-the-sofa and dance (!!!) choreography?

Carmen Miranda – dubbed by Hollywood as the "Brazilian Bombshell", popularized the now famous "Chic-A-Chic-A-Boom-Chic" musical sequence in the movie, That Night in Rio. And did you know that Carmen Miranda, known for her colorful costume and jewelry designs, was the highest paid star in Hollywood during WWII?

Starring with Carmen Miranda in That Night in Rio was the sultry blonde talent of Alice Faye. In 1943, Alice Faye starred in Hello, Frisco, Hello and later that year in yet another movie with Carmen Miranda – The Gang’s All Here. As a result of the popularity of the two movies that year, Alice Faye became the 7th biggest box office draw in the world.

So, why don’t you make some time for yourself and treat yourself to some of those enchanting, uplifting, vintage movies (available through the MCPL catalog on DVD), like That Night in Rio, Greenwich Village, Nancy Goes to Rio, and The Gang’s All Here.

You are certain to find a fresh enthusiasm for the super-charged holidays rapidly approaching, and one that will carry you forth with "Boom-Chic-A-Chic-A-Boom-Boom-Boom" celebrity charisma!

Pamela J.
North Oak Branch