As an opera and musicals fan, 'The Stars are Singing' may be imperfect but it is a treat for the most part and interesting to see Wagnerian heldentenor Lauritz Melchior and a very young Anna Maria Alberghetti on film as well as the film debut for Rosmary Clooney.
Clooney is splendid, with great comic timing and her solo songs are performed and staged with a lot of exuberance (especially "Come On-A My House"). In his final film, Melchior is in thrilling voice and is a warm, cuddly and amusing presence, his "Vesti La Giubba" is heart-wrenching. This is very much Alberghetti's film however, she personifies radiance and charm and she sings divinely singing repertoire beyond her years (how many women in their late teens even try and attempt 'Lucia Di Lammermoor's' "Mad Scene"?) in a way but she shows no signs of sounding taxed.
'The Stars are Singing' is particularly worth seeing for them, and also for two other primary things. One being the charming sisterly chemistry between Clooney and Alberghetti, and the other being the music, the operatic excerpts are infinitely more memorable but the songs are pleasant and full of energy. They are staged with fun and emotion.
It is a nice-looking film too, beautifully photographed in Technicolor and the sets and fashions are equally attractive. Norman Taurog directs with skill and at a good pace. Most of the script is gently witty and emotive.
However, Bob Williams drags the film whenever he appears, his rapport with the lethargic dog bores rather than endears and his performance just feels annoying. John Archer is also dull, while the story is contrived and at times routine outside of the musical scenes.
In summary, not perfect but a nice film all the same. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Clooney is splendid, with great comic timing and her solo songs are performed and staged with a lot of exuberance (especially "Come On-A My House"). In his final film, Melchior is in thrilling voice and is a warm, cuddly and amusing presence, his "Vesti La Giubba" is heart-wrenching. This is very much Alberghetti's film however, she personifies radiance and charm and she sings divinely singing repertoire beyond her years (how many women in their late teens even try and attempt 'Lucia Di Lammermoor's' "Mad Scene"?) in a way but she shows no signs of sounding taxed.
'The Stars are Singing' is particularly worth seeing for them, and also for two other primary things. One being the charming sisterly chemistry between Clooney and Alberghetti, and the other being the music, the operatic excerpts are infinitely more memorable but the songs are pleasant and full of energy. They are staged with fun and emotion.
It is a nice-looking film too, beautifully photographed in Technicolor and the sets and fashions are equally attractive. Norman Taurog directs with skill and at a good pace. Most of the script is gently witty and emotive.
However, Bob Williams drags the film whenever he appears, his rapport with the lethargic dog bores rather than endears and his performance just feels annoying. John Archer is also dull, while the story is contrived and at times routine outside of the musical scenes.
In summary, not perfect but a nice film all the same. 7/10 Bethany Cox