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The first all-talking musical epic that nearly bankrupted RKO. Ziegfeld's fever dream in Technicolor!
TMDB
80
IMDb
60
Rotten Tomatoes
40
Audience Score
40
Watch(US)

Rio Rita (1929)

pre-Code chaosoperatic excessvaudeville hangover

Overview

MusicRomanceWestern

Capt. James Stewart pursues the bandit "The Kinkajou" over the Mexican border and falls in love with Rita, though he suspects that her brother is the bandit.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
musicalmexican borderbandittexas ranger
identity and deceptionAmerican imperialismperformance vs. reality

Standout Aspects

Production

Gargantuan two-strip Technicolor sequences that ate the budget.

Acting

Wheeler & Woolsey stealing every scene like chaos agents.

Best for:Solo: Film history homework with wine and patience.·Background: 1929 energy for your Gatsby-themed dinner party.
L

Director

Luther Reed

ReleasedSep 15, 1929
Runtime2h 20m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow
Intensitymedium
Tonelight
Feellight
Budget$678K·Revenue$2.4M
RKO Radio Pictures

Top Cast

Bebe Daniels

Bebe Daniels

Rita Ferguson

John Boles

John Boles

Capt. Jim Stewart

Bert Wheeler

Bert Wheeler

Chick Bean

Robert Woolsey

Robert Woolsey

Ned Lovett

Dorothy Lee

Dorothy Lee

Dolly Bean

Don Alvarado

Don Alvarado

Roberto Ferguson

Georges Renavent

Georges Renavent

Gen. Ravinoff

Richard Alexander

Richard Alexander

Gonzales

Hank Bell

Hank Bell

Texas Ranger

Sammy Blum

Sammy Blum

Mexican Cafe Owner

Fred Burns

Fred Burns

Wilkins

Lita Chevret

Lita Chevret

Louie's Wife

Ben Corbett

Ben Corbett

Texas Ranger

Ask about Rio Rita

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

RKO blew $1.2 million on this—nearly double the budget—and still lost money when talkie fatigue hit.

Cultural

This is peak 'imperial romance' where Mexico exists as backdrop for Texas Ranger heroics. The border politics are... a choice.

YouTube

RIO RITA 1929 Complete Theatrical Trailer

RIO RITA 1929 Complete Theatrical Trailer

Gallery

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