Carioca (song) same name by Fanchon and Marco. The word "Carioca" refers to inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro. Astaire and Roger's short dance has historical significance, as it was their first screen dance together. Though billed fourth and fifth, many felt they stole the film, which became a big hit for RKO. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 7th Academy Awards, but lost to an even bigger Astaire and Rogers production number, "The Continental" from "The Gay Divorcee" (1934), their next film together and their first starring vehicle. They were billed by RKO as
Mark Sandrich Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. In 1934, Sandrich was given the job of directing the first proper Astaire-Rogers musical, "The Gay Divorcee", which proved a tremendous success. The following year, he directed "Top Hat" (1935), another Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical. He continued working with the team on "Follow the Fleet" (1936). After directing Katharine Hepburn in "A Woman Rebels" (1936) he returned to Astaire and Rogers for "Shall We Dance" (1937), and "Carefree" (1938). In 1939, Sandrich left RKO for Paramount, which offered him a chance to be not only director, but a producer as well. Sandrich's first