Dark Tangos

The versatile Shiner (Black and White) plunges into the dark recent history of Argentina in this thriller that tells a gentle love story against a backdrop of sheer terror. Rob Cavenaugh, an American computer programmer, has sought solace in Buenos Aires after the breakup of his marriage. While tangoing one night in a dance club, Rob meets Elena, a beautiful but troubled woman who's been followed for the past several weeks by a tall, gaunt man who stays in the shadows. Under pressure from Rob, Elena finally reveals that the stranger may be a hit man sent by her stepfather, whom she recently discovered was a leading figure in the murder of thousands of political dissenters in the mid-1970s. Finding himself now a target, Rob must scramble not only to protect Elena but to elude danger himself. Shiner gracefully and efficiently tells his moving tale within a tight frame. Along the way are short tutorials on tango, Argentine history, and torture techniques. (Aug.)