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
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers co-starred comedian Edward Everett Horton. In "Roberta", Astaire and Rogers had a supporting role with Irene Dunne starring. In this film, the song and dance, "I'll Be Hard to Handle", was an early example of the electricity and vivacity of the pairing. It was RKO's biggest hit of the 1934-1935 season with worldwide rentals of $2.3 million. "Top Hat" marked the first time the duo had a film written solely for them, and it proved to be one of the most successful films of the year with worldwide rentals of $3.2 million. It was the most profitable film RKO made