Tosca

Director Carmine Gullone nicely harnessed the staging of this production of "Tosca," creating a nicely laid back, yet emotional statement.

At the center of this production is a young Franco Corelli, in the particular performance that made him a star. His voice here is glorious, and he uses it with great artistry.

Maria Carriglia's singing voice of the title role is quite beautiful, and Gian Giacomo both sings and acts a strong Scarpia.

Gullone likes to shape nicely balanced long-shots, which places the actors in a perspective of their environments. The settings are quite colorful and the Eastman color is serviceable.

Originally photographed for theater wide screens, it may look a little cramped on some monitors.

Pucinni's music is very emotional, which helps sustain dramatic tension, even though his actions may not always live up to the score's mood. Too, close your eyes at times and you'd swear the music is from a "Butterfly" or "Turandot," so typical had the composer's style become. His excellent sense of dramatic timing and mood are carried out in his uniquely rich orchestration, which makes the film's 110 minutes running time seem shorter.

One of the "musts" for opera lovers in general and Corelli enthusiasts in particular.