The Great Caruso

I suppose it would be too much to expect a studio like MGM to produce a realistic biography of the legendary tenor in 1951--a year when the studio's reputation for glossy technicolor musicals was at an all-time high. They overproduced many a musical with strong star drawing power to fill the Radio City Music Hall with their products--and were certainly aiming to target the widest possible audience for this Caruso story with their new discovery--Mario Lanza.

Lanza's rich lyrical tenor is given a showcase in which to perform both Neapolitan songs and operatic arias and he doesn't disappoint. Casting him as Caruso was a shrewd and clever decision--but the letdown comes in the fictionalized story that bears little resemblance to the true background of the singer. Artificial touches abound--including Ann Blythe as his wife. Nevertheless, since enjoyment of the film depends entirely on whether or not you enjoy the singing talent of Mario Lanza (and his limited acting abilities), you should find this biography a lightweight treatment of Caruso's life--although highly incomplete and sometimes even inaccurate. Perhaps some day there will be a true biography of the singer.

If nothing else, should compel some viewers to explore Caruso's life for the real story. Incidentally, there is a new song, "The Loveliest Night of the Year", which rates utmost respect. The soundtrack is great to listen to--Lanza was in the best of voice at the time of recordings.

I remember seeing The Great Caruso at a Cinema in Melbourne when I was 9 & I've never forgotten it!!!! Unfortunately they don't make movies like that anymore. Ironically that same theatre was where they had the Melbourne Premier of Mario's last film For The First Time on October 7th 1959 the day that Mario Lanza died. I beleive that I speak for most Mario fans around the world, when I say that Mario Lanza was the greatest tenor of them all!!!! I say that with all due respects to Pavartti Carrears & Domingo & many others. I'll never forget you Mario!!!!!

I have to admit I didn't find The Great Caruso note-perfect. People have already said as a biopic it is highly fictionalised, and those who say that are right- the story here is not consistent with what really happened. Also the screenplay is somewhat ramshackle and the pacing is a little slow in places.

Flaws aside, The Great Caruso is still a very good film. For starters it is gorgeous to watch. The costumes, sets and cinematography are absolutely amazing and just a feast to the eyes. Even better is the music, the music is like a treasure trove of some of the greatest tenor arias ever written. We have La Donna E Mobile from Rigoletto, Celeste Aida from Aida and Vesti La Giubba from Pagliacci, not to mention the charming The Loveliest Night of the Year beautifully sung by Ann Blyth.

I have little to complain about the performances either. Ann Blyth, Dorothy Kirsten(an underrated singer), Alan Napier, Paul Javor and Jarmila Novotna are all wonderful. I have yet to talk about the best performance, it is easy enough to say that Mario Lanza gave the best performance but vocally and acting-wise. How do you like that? A singing legend portraying another? Lanza is absolutely brilliant, he is in fine voice and wholly believable here, it is such a shame his career was cut so short. You may argue that Caruso and Lanza sound familiar in voice, personally I don't think they do. Whereas Lanza had a rich lyrical voice, Caruso's was somewhat darker and perhaps more dramatic. There is nothing wrong with that, both had naturally beautiful voices that sing all those arias with effortless ease.

Overall, flawed, but well worth seeing for the music and Mario Lanza. You may be disappointed if you are looking for a true historical music lesson, but if you want a biopic with gorgeous visuals and music I think you have met your match in The Great Caruso. 7/10 Bethany Cox

I was 12 living in the coastal industry city of Luleå. I had never heard of Opera. My father was a movie projectionist. One evening i happened to see The Great Caruso. It was a breathtaking experience deep into my body. I was caught for ever by opera and I remember the deep sadness I felt in 1959 when my idol Mario Lanza died (similar to my sons feelings some 30 years later when John Lennon was killed). I have the Video and I have seen it many times on TCM Cabel TV - The Great Caruso will stay forever as the film that opened my eyes and emotions for music in general and opera in particular. Thank You MGM, Caruso but in particular thank You Mario Lanza.

This is a most handsome film. The color photography is beautiful as it shows the lavishness of the Metropolitan Opera House in brilliant color. Other indoor scenes at various mansions, etc are equally brilliant. As for the music, what more can be said other than that Lanza's voice was at its' peak as he sang so many of the worlds' best known and beloved arias. The marvelous Dorothy Kirsten is also a joy as her soprano voice blends with that of Lanza in delightful harmony. Of course, Hollywood took their customary liberties with the life story of Caruso. There is precious little in the story line that relates to actual events. For example, the facts relating to his death are totally fabricated and bear no relationship to the truth. There are some very good web sites that tell the true story of Caruso and contain several pictures of him. These web sites can be located by using any good search engine. There are also several books available concerning his life history. But, the fictional story line does nothing to mar this beautiful film. The voices of Lanza, Kirsten, and the chorus members are the real stars of this movie. Enjoy, I know that I sure did.