Mario Lanza: The American Caruso (1983)

Mario Lanza: The American Caruso Poster

Plácido Domingo hosts this tribute to American tenor Mario Lanza. Interviews, rare footage and vintage recordings chronicle Lanza's life from his Philadelphia childhood to his meteoric rise as an opera singer and film actor and his tragic death. Credited with bringing opera and classical music into the home of everyday Americans, Lanza starred in That Midnight Kiss and The Toast of New Orleans and portrayed Enrico Caruso in The Great Caruso.

Intro
"Mario Lanza: The American Caruso" is a 1983 biographical documentary exploring the life and career of distinguished tenor Mario Lanza, frequently dubbed as 'The American Caruso'. Directed by John Goberman and narrated by legendary actor Placido Domingo, the film reviews the remarkable, meteoric profession of the famous opera vocalist who eventually saw an awful and early end.

Lanza's Early Career
The movie's early series backtracks Lanza's roots back to Philadelphia, where the kid of Italian immigrants came across his talent at the childhood of 16, progressing to passionately pursue singing. Having actually won an audition with conductor Sergei Koussevitzky at the Berkshire Music Centre, Lanza's prodigious skill was acknowledged to have real potential.

His Rise to Stardom
Further in the film, we witness Mario Lanza's ascent worldwide of music, where his divine tenor voice made him a feeling across worldwide audiences. His breakthrough movie, "The Great Caruso" (1951), where he represented his idol, the terrific Enrico Caruso, appeared to really develop his star status and popularity. The movie consists of clips from Lanza's renowned Hollywood career where he was renowned for blending film and music magnificently into 'musical dramas'.

The Challenges
The movie does not shy away from the obstacles and concerns Mario Lanza faced. Bestowing the audience with a check out his struggle with weight, contradictions and the ensuing stress which occurred between his desire to enter into severe opera and remaining a film star. The documentary delves into Lanza's fight with personal problems and professional discontent; he browsed pressure from his studio, his battle with alcohol, and the tragic death of fellow singer and buddy Leonard Warren.

Mario's Death and Legacy
The documentary likewise discovers the darker side of Lanza's life and the occasions leading up to his strange, sudden death in 1959 in Italy at the age of 38. The film represents accounts recommending that Lanza's unforeseen death may not have actually been an accident or a health-related problem, but potentially involved foul play.
Regardless of the debate surrounding his death, "Mario Lanza: The American Caruso" pays a fitting homage to the life and work of one of the most gifted tenors in history. By featuring interviews with his buddies, family, and colleagues, together with his unforgettable performances, the viewer is offered a thorough understanding of the acclaimed vocalist's tradition.

Conclusion
"Mario Lanza: The American Caruso" provides an engaging picture of an artist whose voice touched millions, yet behind it harbored individual demons that sadly resulted in his awful end. Through a well-paced narrative, amazing archive video footage, and informative interviews, the documentary supplies a sincere, psychological, and deserving homage to a sensational artist who, though his life was short-lived, left an extensive mark on the world of music. His life may have been stuffed with controversy and disaster, but his voice remains revered, making him indelible in opera's rich history. With Placido Domingo's heartfelt narrative, the movie successfully portrays Lanza's humanly relatable journey, sealing his rightful place in the annals of music history. The film is a must-watch for opera lovers and those interested by inspiring however concurrently terrible stories of fame.

Top Cast

  • Plácido Domingo (small)
    Plácido Domingo
    Narrator
  • Zsa Zsa Gabor (small)
    Zsa Zsa Gabor
    Self
  • Kathryn Grayson (small)
    Kathryn Grayson
    Self
  • Dorothy Kirsten (small)
    Dorothy Kirsten
    Self
  • Gisele MacKenzie
    Self
  • Joe Pasternak (small)
    Joe Pasternak
    Self
  • Terry Robinson
    Self
  • Mario Lanza (small)
    Mario Lanza
    Self (archive footage)