Melodia Interrompida

I am a great-niece of Marjorie Lawrence. It's a very sad fact that Marjorie is best known outside of Australia. However, she was recently honored as one of 100 Australian Entertainers of the Century. It's also a bit of a shame that this movie is a Hollywood producer's interpretation of an American publisher's version of my Great-Aunt's life. The real family story is actually much more interesting. Auntie Marj never smoked a cigarette in her life - but it seems everyone smoked in the movies of the 50s. My mother and my aunt attended the world premiere here in Melbourne. I remember meeting Auntie Marj as a child in the 70s.

MGM fashioned a sumptuous, full-scale production in bringing the career of Australian opera diva Marjorie Lawrence to the screen. Heading the cast as Lawrence is the fine Eleanor Parker, in one of her most impressive roles. Co-starring as her supportive doctor-husband is the talented Glenn Ford. Both are most convincing in relaying the inspirational "real life" story of their struggle with physical- career- and marital-obstacles.

Whether Lawrence did in fact sing roles which included lyric soprano, dramatic soprano, mezzo and Wagnerian, as depicted here, is open to question. Still, it is lovely to see these excerpts staged so beautifully, and in gorgeous Technicolor. Of invaluable assistance is the magnificent voice of Eileen Farrell in a remarkably varied repertoire.

It may not be possible to experience the real impact of these scenes unless there is a special house revival with a full-sized Cinemascope screen and stereo sound. The formats of VHS and even DVD to not do justice to the original production.

Although Lawrence assisted on the script, the actual unfoldment has the ring of fact merging with fiction for maximum dramatic impact. Now that Lawrence's 30's and 40's career is but a memory in the minds of a few, what remains is this romanticized version of history. As such, lovers of romantic drama and of music may revel in a tale of ardor and challenge, with the artistic product being the "fusion of the arts": grand opera.

Eleanor Parker is one of my favorite actresses from the '40s and '50s and does a marvelous job here, lip-synching to perfection various Wagnerian opera arias (as well as Puccini and Verdi). The storyline is somewhat similar to that of Jane Froman's career in that both were singers who, although paralyzed, continued with their singing careers and entertained servicemen as well. Glenn Ford lends solid support as the understanding, long-suffering husband who is always there when she needs his moral support. Roger Moore has a small role as her brother.

Everything moves smoothly under Curtis Bernhardt's direction. The opera segments are beautifully staged and filmed (in gorgeous technicolor, of course). Parker demonstrates her acting skills to the fullest and Eileen Farrell does a superb job on the vocal dubbing.

Well worth your time--inspirational and enjoyable even if you're not an opera lover. Filmed in wide screen technique, it loses something on video showings.

I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the stunt double for Eleanor Parker in this extraordinary film. I was in awe of her performance and cannot say how much I enjoyed working with her for several of her films. I thought the script was marvelous and did win an award I believe. Eleanor Parker is the true lady she portrayed in this once in a lifetime film. I never tire of seeing it - over and over again.

I studied opera with Marjorie Lawrence in the 1970's and she was an incredible, vital, and exciting personality. She was larger than life and her presence dominated any gathering she attended.

The movie captures many of her physical mannerisms. Her voice was most suited to the Wagnerian repertoire and the selection of the great Eileen Farrel to sing the more popular arias chosen for the film was an excellent one. However, Miss Lawrence was disappointed that her own voice wasn't used as had been agreed, which I understand resulted in a settlement in her favor.

Her husband, Doctor King, was an great gentleman and devoted to her.

Following the years depicted in the film, she became an educator at Southern Illinois University where she was very respected and loved.