[2] The film reinterpreted the Orpheus myth against the backdrop of the poverty of the Brazilian working class and Brazil's famous Carnaval.

[3] The film made extensive use of bossa nova music, including now famous songs such as "A Felicidade" and "Manhã de Carnaval" (also known as "A Day in the Life of a Fool"), which were sung by the character of Orfeu.

Bosley Crowther, reviewing the film for The New York Times in 1959, criticized his acting, stating: "He performs the role more as a dancer than as an actor trying to show a man in love.

Mello appeared in several other films, including Rata de puerto (1963), Os Vencidos (1963), O Santo Módico (1964), O Negrinho do Pastoreio (1973) and Prisoner of Rio (1988).

Shortly before his death, Mello gave his view of why his acting career had not been more successful, saying: "Brazilian cinema at that time didn't have financing.

[1][12] His Black Orpheus co-star, American-born actress Marpessa Dawn, died 42 days later of a heart attack, in Paris, France.