¡Tango!
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1933 |
| Headquarters | Argentina |
¡Tango! is a 1933 Argentine musical romance film recognized as the first Argentine motion picture to utilize optical sound technology, although it was not the earliest sound film in the country. Featuring leading figures from theater and radio, its commercial performance was hindered by substandard audio quality and lackluster performances. Nonetheless, ¡Tango! set a precedent that became a standard approach for many subsequent tango-themed films.
Alongside Los tres berretines, which debuted the same year, it signaled the onset of the Golden Age of Argentine cinema.
Synopsis
The narrative of ¡Tango! follows a structure popularized by Carlos Gardel in earlier works such as Luces de Buenos Aires (1931), blending melodramatic storytelling with tango music. The film prioritizes musical numbers over spoken dialogue, presenting itself more as a musical revue—a style that shaped numerous later productions.
Its storyline is inspired by tango lyrics centered on themes of seduction and abandonment, focusing on a young man devastated after his lover leaves him for an affluent older man. The plot chronicles his ensuing hardships, concluding with the protagonist performing Gardel's Milonga del 900, a piece reflecting on love and reconciliation.
Cast
- Libertad Lamarque portraying Elena
- Pepe Arias as Pepe el Bonito
- Tita Merello in the role of Tita
- Alberto Gómez playing Alberto
- Alicia Vignoli as Alicia
- Luis Sandrini cast as Berretín
- Meneca Tailhada as Mecha
- Juan Sarcione in the role of Malandra
- Azucena Maizani appearing as herself
- Mercedes Simone as herself
- Juan d'Arienzo
- Juan de Dios Filiberto
- Edgardo Donato
- Osvaldo Fresedo
- Pedro Maffia
Production
Directed by Luis Moglia Barth, who co-authored the screenplay with Carlos de la Pua, this 80-minute black-and-white feature marked the inaugural production of Argentina Sono Film. The film exhibits significant influence from Hollywood's cinematic style. It holds the distinction of being Argentina’s first feature-length movie produced with optical sound technology, created at Argentina Sono Film’s newly established optical sound studio.
The cast comprised renowned talents including singer-actress Libertad Lamarque, stage actor Pepe Arias, vocalist Azucena Maizani, and comedian Tita Merello, all well-known in theater or tango circles. Additionally, tango orchestras led by maestros such as Juan de Dios Filiberto, Osvaldo Fresedo, and Pedro Maffia contributed to the soundtrack. ¡Tango! premiered in Argentina on 27 April 1933.
Reception
The inclusion of celebrated artists attracted audiences familiar with popular theater and radionovelas, aiding in solidifying sound cinema in Argentina. Actor Luis Sandrini, portraying "the poor kid from the barrio," became recognized as Argentina’s first major film star. Despite its impressive ensemble, ¡Tango! was hampered commercially due to inferior sound quality, falling short of anticipated success.