Carmen Miranda

Carmen Miranda

Born: February 9, 1909
Died: August 5, 1955
in Marco de Canaveses, Portugal
Carmen Miranda was born Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha, 9 February 1909, near Porto, Portugal, in the town of Marco de Canavezes. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Brazil, where her father was involved in the produce business. The family settled in the then capital city of Rio de Janeiro. After leaving school, Carmen got a job at a local store, often began singing on the job. Before long she was discovered and got a singing job on a local radio station. She ultimately got a recording contract with RCA. By 1928 she was a genuine superstar in Brazil. As with other popular singers of the era, she eventually made her way into the film world. She made her debut in the Brazilian documentary A Voz do Carnaval (1933). Two years later she appeared in her first feature film, Alô, Alô, Brasil (1935). However. it was Estudantes (1935) that seemed to solidify Carmen in the minds of the Brazilian movie audiences. Now they realized she could act as well as sing. Although there was three years between "Alo, Alo Carnaval" and Banana-da-Terra (1939), Carmen continued to churn out musical hits in Brazil. The latter film would be the last in her home country. In late 1939 Carmen arrived, with much fanfare in the press, in New York City. She was now ready to capture Americans' hearts with her talent. She appeared in some musical revues on Broadway and, just as everyone thought, was a huge hit. In 1940 Carmen was signed to appear in the 20th Century-Fox production Down Argentine Way (1940), with Betty Grable and Don Ameche. The only complaint that critics had was the fact that Carmen was not on the screen enough. In 1941 she was, again, teamed with Ameche in addition to Alice Faye in That Night in Rio (1941). The film was extremely popular with the theater patrons. Her unique songs went a long way in making her popular. It was after Week-End in Havana (1941) that American cartoon artists began to cash in on Carmen's ever-growing popularity. In the 1930s and 1940s cartoons were sometimes shown as a prelude to whatever feature film was showing. Sure enough, the cartoon version of Carmen came wriggling across the screen, complete with her trademark fruit hat and wide, toothy grin. In 1942 Carmen starred in Springtime in the Rockies (1942) with Betty Grable and Cesar Romero, both of whom she had worked with before. It was shortly after this that America began adopting her style of dress as the latest fad. 1944 saw her in three films: Something for the Boys (1944), Four Jills in a Jeep (1944) and Greenwich Village (1944). The first two did well at the box-office, but the last one left a lot to be desired. It was her last busy year in film. Carmen made one film each year 1945 through 1948. After that she didn't make a film for two years, until Nancy Goes to Rio (1950), a production for MGM. Once again didn't make a film for several years, returning with Scared Stiff (1953). She did stay busy, singing on the nightclub circuit and appearing on the relatively new medium of television. 'Scared Stiff' was her final movie performance. On 4 August 1955, she unknowingly suffered a heart attack during a live broadcast of The Jimmy Durante Show. She went home to Beverly Hills after attending a party (she neither drank nor smoked). On 5 August, Carmen suffered a fatal heart attack. She was just 46 years old.

Movies for Carmen Miranda...

Dorival Caymmi - Um Homem de Afetos
Title: Dorival Caymmi - Um Homem de Afetos
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: April 25, 2024
Type: Movie
An irresistible journey through the universe of the singer and composer that revolutionized the song in Brazil and influenced generations of musicians, paving the way for movements such as Bossa Nova and Tropicália.
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Garoto - Vivo Sonhando
Title: Garoto - Vivo Sonhando
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: September 10, 2020
Type: Movie
A prodigy of stringed instruments, a pioneer of Bossa Nova, a modernizing master of the guitar: Aníbal Augusto Sardinha, better known as Garoto (1915-1955), is one of the hidden pillars of Brazilian music. Woven by rare archival material, personal diaries and testimonies, this documentary reveals his influence and the artistic conflicts of an avant-garde artist in the golden age of Brazilian radio.
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Dê Lembranças a Todos
Title: Dê Lembranças a Todos
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: July 1, 2018
Type: Movie
Dorival Caymmi was one of the inventors of the Bahian imagination. In his 94 years of life, Caymmi composed, sang, wrote, illustrated and thought about his Bahia, even far from it. His family, partners, friends and fans remember his history, which made him one of the pillars of Brazilian culture.
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Rio 50 Degrees: Carry on CaRIOca
Title: Rio 50 Degrees: Carry on CaRIOca
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: August 21, 2014
Type: Movie
A look at Rio's cultural, political and technical revolutions since the 1970s to 2011
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Title: Legends
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: November 17, 2006
Type: TV
The story of the big names that have shaped the musical genres, plus an occasional stopgap for the new rock 'n' roll - comedy.
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Tudo é Brasil
Title: Tudo é Brasil
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: September 18, 1997
Type: Movie
A film essay about Brazil discovered through Orson Welles' eyes during the shooting of It's All True.
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Celebração - 100 Anos do Cinema Nacional
Title: Celebração - 100 Anos do Cinema Nacional
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1997
Type: Movie
"Portraits and excerpts from Brazilian films from all times. Actors, directors and images that affirm cinema."
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Bahia de Todos os Sambas
Title: Bahia de Todos os Sambas
Character: (archive footage) (uncredited)
Released: September 1, 1996
Type: Movie
Between August 23 and 31, 1983, at the "Circo Massimo", in Rome, there was a musical event that brought together artists from Bahia. This film brings a recording of the event, also featuring backstage, rehearsals, testimonies and some relaxing moments of these great names in Bahia's music.
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Carmen Miranda: Bananas Is My Business
Title: Carmen Miranda: Bananas Is My Business
Character: Herself (archive footage)
Released: April 13, 1995
Type: Movie
A biography of the Portuguese-Brazilian singer Carmen Miranda, whose most distinctive feature was her tutti-frutti hat. From her arrival in the US as the "Brazilian Bombshell" to her Broadway career and Hollywood stardom in the 1940s.
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That's Entertainment! III
Title: That's Entertainment! III
Character: (archive footage)
Released: July 1, 1994
Type: Movie
Some of MGM'S musical stars review the studios history of musicals. From The Hollywood Revue of 1929 to Brigadoon, from the first musical talkies to Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain.
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It's All True
Title: It's All True
Character: Self
Released: October 17, 1993
Type: Movie
A documentary about Orson Welles's unfinished three-part film about South America.
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A Embaixatriz do Samba
Title: A Embaixatriz do Samba
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1991
Type: Movie
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Showbiz Goes to War
Title: Showbiz Goes to War
Character: (archive footage)
Released: December 31, 1982
Type: Movie
While a few Hollywood celebrities such as James Stewart and Clark Gable saw combat during World War II, the majority used their talents to rally the American public through bond sales, morale-boosting USO tours, patriotic war dramas and escapist film fare. Comedian David Steinberg plays host for this star-studded, 90-minute documentary, which looks at the way Tinseltown helped the United States' war effort.
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Mulheres de Cinema
Title: Mulheres de Cinema
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: June 6, 1978
Type: Movie
Documentary on famous Brazilian actresses, female directors and the role of women in Brazilian film history.
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Salsa
Title: Salsa
Character: (archive footage)
Released: August 18, 1976
Type: Movie
Documentary about Salsa music with interviews with major Latin stars
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That's Entertainment!
Title: That's Entertainment!
Character: (archive footage) (uncredited)
Released: June 21, 1974
Type: Movie
Various MGM stars from yesterday present their favorite musical moments from the studio's 50 year history.
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Carmen Miranda
Title: Carmen Miranda
Character: Herself
Released: January 1, 1969
Type: Movie
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Title: The Jimmy Durante Show
Character: Self
Released: October 2, 1954
Type: TV
The Jimmy Durante Show is a 51-episode half-hour comedy/variety television program presented live on NBC from October 2, 1954 to June 23, 1956.
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Scared Stiff
Title: Scared Stiff
Character: Carmelita Castinha
Released: April 27, 1953
Type: Movie
A nightclub singer and his partner escape mobsters by fleeing to Cuba with a beautiful heiress, who has inherited a haunted castle on an isolated island. The trio hunt for a hidden treasure and encounter a ghost, a zombie, and a mysterious killer...
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Title: The Colgate Comedy Hour
Character: Self
Released: September 10, 1950
Type: TV
The Colgate Comedy Hour is an American comedy-musical variety series that aired live on the NBC network from 1950 to 1955. The show starred many notable comedians and entertainers of the era, including Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Fred Allen, Donald O'Connor, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Ray Bolger, Gordon MacRae, Ben Blue, Robert Paige, Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster, Broadway dancer Wayne Lamb and Spike Jones and His City Slickers.
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Nancy Goes to Rio
Title: Nancy Goes to Rio
Character: Marina Rodrigues
Released: March 10, 1950
Type: Movie
Mother and daughter compete over same singing role and, unbeknownst to each other, the same man.
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Title: What's My Line?
Character: Self - Mystery Guest
Released: February 2, 1950
Type: TV
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
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A Date with Judy
Title: A Date with Judy
Character: Rosita Cochellas
Released: July 29, 1948
Type: Movie
Best friends Judy and Carol compete for the affection of an older man during their high school dance. As Carol tries to rekindle Judy's relationship with Carol's bumbling brother, Oogie, Judy suspects that her father is having an affair with a beautiful dance instructor. The two girls team up to expose Judy's father -- who is only taking innocent dance lessons.
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Title: The Ed Sullivan Show
Character: Self
Released: June 20, 1948
Type: TV
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows. In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
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Copacabana
Title: Copacabana
Character: Carmen Novarro / Mlle. Fifi
Released: May 30, 1947
Type: Movie
A talent agent sells his girlfriend to a nightclub -- as two separate acts. The deception and constant costume changes are too much for his girl.
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If I'm Lucky
Title: If I'm Lucky
Character: Michelle O'Toole
Released: September 2, 1946
Type: Movie
Out of work swing band maneuvers a gig working for a political campaign, by drawing in and entertaining prospective voters at rallies. The candidate is really a stooge for a corrupt political machine, which discovers the band's handsome and appealing singer would make a better stooge. Meanwhile, romance blossoms between the band's singers. When election day approaches, the band's singer wants out of the campaign, but the machine threatens to smear him and his pals in the band if he quits.
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Doll Face
Title: Doll Face
Character: Chita Chula
Released: December 31, 1945
Type: Movie
Burlesque queen Doll Face Carroll is dismissed from an audition for a legitimate Broadway show because she lacks culture. Her boss/manager Mike decides that she can get both culture and plenty of publicity by writing her autobiography. He hires a ghost writer to do all the work, but doesn't count on the possibility that Doll Face and her collaborator might have more than a book on their minds.
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The All-Star Bond Rally
Title: The All-Star Bond Rally
Character: Self - Pinup Girl
Released: May 10, 1945
Type: Movie
Inspirational documentary short film featuring Hollywood stars promoting the sales of War Bonds through songs and skits. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive.
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Something for the Boys
Title: Something for the Boys
Character: Chiquita Hart
Released: November 1, 1944
Type: Movie
The oddly-assorted Hart cousins: revue singer Blossom, con man Harry, and machinist Chiquita (who gets radio through her teeth!), inherit southern plantation Magnolia Manor, which alas proves to be a "termite trap" and tax liability. Fortunately, Sgt. Rocky Fulton from a nearby army camp appears with a plan to convert the place to a hotel for army wives; but to pay bills until then, they decide to put on a show. Of course, romantic and military complications intervene...
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Greenwich Village
Title: Greenwich Village
Character: Princess Querida O'Toole
Released: September 27, 1944
Type: Movie
In 1922, a would-be classical composer gets involved with people putting on a musical revue.
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Four Jills in a Jeep
Title: Four Jills in a Jeep
Character: Carmen Miranda
Released: March 17, 1944
Type: Movie
Reenactments of actual USO experiences of its female stars entertaining troops overseas.
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The Gang's All Here
Title: The Gang's All Here
Character: Dorita
Released: December 24, 1943
Type: Movie
A soldier falls for a chorus girl and then experiences trouble when he is posted to the Pacific.
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Springtime in the Rockies
Title: Springtime in the Rockies
Character: Rosita Murphy
Released: November 6, 1942
Type: Movie
Broadway partners Vicky Lane and Dan Christy have a tiff over Christy's womanizing. Jealous Vicky takes up with her old flame and former dance partner, Victor Price, and Dan's career takes a nosedive. In hopes of rekindling their romance and getting Vicky back on the boards with him, Dan follows her to a ritzy resort in the Canadian Rockies, where she and Victor are about to open their new act. But things get complicated when Dan wakes after a bender to find that he's hired an outlandish Latin secretary, Rosita Murphy, which makes Vicky think he's just up to his old tricks again.
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Week-End in Havana
Title: Week-End in Havana
Character: Rosita Rivas
Released: October 17, 1941
Type: Movie
A ship company employee, Jay Williams, is sent to Florida where one of the company cruise ships is stuck on a reef off of the coast. He obtains waivers from all of the passengers with the exception of Nan Spencer, a department store salesgirl who wants her vacation now, not later. Jay is instructed to take Nan to Havana, set her up in the best hotel, and keep her entertained. She visits a nightclub where the star attraction is Rosita Rivas and meets Rosita's worthless manager, Monte Blanca, who makes a play for her. Trouble also comes in the form of Jay's fiancée, Terry McCracken, when a romance develops between Nan and Jay.
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That Night in Rio
Title: That Night in Rio
Character: Carmen
Released: April 11, 1941
Type: Movie
An entertainer in Rio impersonates a wealthy aristocrat. When the aristocrat's wife asks him to carry the impersonation further, complications ensue.
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Down Argentine Way
Title: Down Argentine Way
Character: Herself
Released: October 11, 1940
Type: Movie
The story—in which an American heiress on holiday in South America falls in love with an Argentine horse breeder against the wishes of their families—takes a backseat to the spectacular location shooting and parade of extravagant musical numbers, which include the larger-than-life Carmen Miranda singing the hit “South American Way” and a showstopping dance routine by the always amazing Nicholas Brothers.
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Banana-da-Terra
Title: Banana-da-Terra
Character: Queen of Bananaland
Released: February 10, 1939
Type: Movie
A man in charge of a publicity campaign for bananas decides to kidnap the Queen of 'Bananaland', a tropical island paradise, and take her to Rio, where she falls in love with a member of Carmen Miranda's backing ensemble, 'Bando da Lua'.
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Alô Alô Carnaval
Title: Alô Alô Carnaval
Released: January 20, 1936
Type: Movie
Two authors go look for a business to finance their dream musical.
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Estudantes
Title: Estudantes
Character: Mimi
Released: July 8, 1935
Type: Movie
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Hello, Hello, Brazil!
Title: Hello, Hello, Brazil!
Character: Themself
Released: January 12, 1935
Type: Movie
A man is looking for a radio singer named "Dulcineia." For this, he goes through the biggest hassles and problems. The plot, in fact, is an excuse for the exhibition of the musical numbers of the greatest Brazilian Radio artists.
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Steps of Life
Title: Steps of Life
Released: December 31, 1930
Type: Movie