American writer Nicky Henderson travels to Rio de Janeiro to spend two weeks researching a new book on Brazil. When the local reporters discover that Nicky is the author of the unflattering Why Marry a Latin? , they treat her coldly, but she is happily greeted by Rod Walker, a diplomat and former boyfriend. Rod, who still loves Nicky, takes her to a nightclub and introduces her to famed dancers Veloz and Yolanda, but Nicky is more interested in exploring the "real" Brazil. The next day, Nicky goes to a travel agency owned by Everett St. John Everett and there meets Miguel Soares. Miguel, who is the renowned composer of the hit song "Brazil," pretends to be a tour guide when he mistakenly assumes that Nicky is a writer of travel books. After he makes a date with Nicky for sightseeing that afternoon, Miguel rhapsodizes about her beauty to Everett, who chastises him for taking time away from composing. Everett has cause to worry, as the rights to Miguel's next song, which is to have its premiere in two weeks at Carnival, have been sold to American music publisher Edward Graham. Graham has been nagging Everett about Miguel's tardiness, but Miguel assures his friend that he will be able to work once he is inspired by Nicky. Miguel takes Nicky to see many interesting sights, and although she longs to continue her tour, Rod insists that she accompany him to the lush ranch of his friend, Seņor Machada. Miguel is saddened that Nicky is leaving Rio, but his attitude changes when Everett informs him that she is not a simple travel writer. Upon learning that Nicky is the author of Why Marry a Latin? , Miguel vows to make her fall in love with him and then break her heart. Hoping to get Miguel out of town, as the impatient Graham is due to arrive soon, Everett suggests that Miguel also go to Machada's ranch. Once he is at the ranch, Miguel convinces Machada, an old family friend, to pretend that Miguel speaks only Portuguese. When the astonished Nicky assumes that the non-comprehending Miguel is her tour guide, Machada explains that this Miguel, the famous composer, is the twin brother of her tour guide, and that all of the children in their family are named Miguel. Nicky quickly falls in love with the romantic, singing Miguel, but when they return to Rio, Everett again scolds Miguel for spending time pursuing Nicky instead of writing his song. Miguel, whose current melody comes from a tune that Nicky frequently hums, must again leave town when Graham arrives and demands the song. Miguel arranges for his uncle, Renato Da Silva, to take Nicky and him to his coffee plantation, but Nicky inadvertently complicates his plans by inviting Graham. Accompanied by Everett, Miguel tries to stall Graham while continuing to romance Nicky. Unknown to Everett, Miguel sincerely loves Nicky and is thrilled when she accepts his proposal of marriage. One morning, Everett, afraid that Nicky is going to be hurt by Miguel's duplicity, tells her that there is only Miguel the composer, who is toying with her affections out of revenge for her book. Heartbroken, Nicky returns to Rio, and the lonely Miguel finishes his song. Stranded in Rio due to wartime travel restrictions, Nicky attends the Carnival with Rod, and despite her dismay at hearing Miguel's song played everywhere, she enjoys a performance by visiting American movie star Roy Rogers. Miguel takes little pleasure in having won the grand prize for songwriting, but his spirits soar once more when Everett finds Nicky and brings her to the nightclub where Miguel is singing. The happy couple then reconcile as everyone sings Miguel's composition.
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