The title of this movie perfectly describes what it is, supposedly a biographical tale about the composer Johann Strauss the younger, it is actually a joyous fable whose purpose is to express the spirit of his music in a filmic language. To smirk or complain about facts or believability is to completly miss its point. The story moves very quickly and in broad strokes that resemble movements in a symphony. Musical underscoring is present much of the time and when it isn't, the visual editing creates a rhythmic flow that is in itself musical. Beautifully photographed in shimmering black & white, it depicts a picturesque 1850's Vienna of town squares, beer gardens, ballrooms, palaces, opera houses and bucolic countryside. When not being picturesque it is ornate & glittering. The musical sequences are long complex masterpieces of well planned editing that always serve to enhance the music. These sequences and the music are magnificently over the top, exhilarating and operatic in scale. I would not describe the picture quality on this dvd as restored but the print is good with inky blacks and gleaming whites.
The stars are french actors Fernard Gravey as Strauss and Luise Rainer as his wife but the third lead is the real surprise, Miliza Korjus playing a totally ficticous opera star who, once she enters the story about 15 minutes in, ignites the screen and never lets go. Korjus is no doubt an attractive woman,though hardly a stunner, yet she exudes an erotic radiance that colors the entire film. Gravey also gives off a sexually orgiastic quality during his conducting frenzies. It's wonderful to watch (and hear) and I can't quite explain how deeply this film has taken hold of me, 3 weeks after discovering it, I keep returning to watch parts of it almost daily.
After seeing this I have vowed to discover other 1930's Hollywood operetta musicals.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Frequently bought together
$8.33
Get it as soon as Saturday, May 18
Only 8 left in stock (more on the way).
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Reviews with images
This is a wonderful show so I bought it right after watching it
I never even knew movie was made till this morning when I saw it on TCM. This is a wonderful show so I bought it right after watching it. Beautiful wonderful women. I'm in love!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2011
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2018
Top reviews from other countries
Oswaldo Casares
Gran película, mala Presentación
Reviewed in Mexico on October 9, 2023
