blanche-2 Though others disagree, for me, the beautiful, heartfelt singing of Benjamino Gigli was the highlight of this film. I realize he wasn't particularly well recorded, but the emotion of his voice came through.Gigli is a widowed opera star, Enzo Curti, who falls for a disillusioned secretary, Helen (Joan Gardner). Helen fell in love on board ship, but is fed devastating information about her intended by a rival (Jeanne Stuart). Enamored with Curti's voice, his sweetness, and his son, she marries him.Most of the story is Gigli's singing, particularly a song Joan shared with her shipboard romance, Non Ti Scordar Di Me (Do Not Forget Me). It's a great opportunity to hear him sing some great arias, including La Donna 'e Mobile, Di Quella Pira, and others. Just beautiful.The courtship between Curti and Helen is adorable, as he doesn't speak English, and the little boy is cute without being cloying.As a side note, both the lead women were married to big shots: Gardner to Zoltan Korda, and Stuart to the Baron de Rothschild. Wow and wow again.Gigli was one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century, and though there are better showcases for him, this isn't bad.

artzau Gigli was a controversial singer and was not appreciated in New York, returned to Europe and did well for himself. A fireplug of a man with an Italian peasant frame, he was hardly cut out for hero roles but like his forebear, Enrico Caruso, when he opened his mouth and sang what came out was sheer delight. This film which as one reviewer noted does little for his singing and music spins together a bittersweet story of conflicted love, disappointed romance and some wonderful sentimental 30s story telling. It's never maudlin and though replete with sentiment, never overly sentimental. Interesting to note that the female villain, Jeanne Stuart was married to the Baron de Rothschild of the famous banking family and the heroine, Joan Gardner was married to the director, Zoltan Korda, brother of the famous Hungarian director, Alexander Korda.This is a wonderful little film with some very pleasing moments and Gigli is a delight as the tenor.

fwmurnau After the great tenor Gigli was essentially dropped by the Metropolitan Opera, he went to Europe and made a number of films. I expected little from this 1935 curio, but it surprised me.The story, built around a series of musical numbers by Gigli, is quite effective. Well-written and well-acted by the lead actress, Gigli, and the rest of the cast.The language barrier between the leads is the most realistic depiction I've seen in a film of people attracted to each other but unable to communicate because they don't speak the same language. The early scenes aboard the ocean liner are very well-done and give one the real flavor of crossing the Atlantic in the 1930s.And there is real suspense about how it will end. This is no great film, but you do care about the characters. I was nearly biting my nails to find out what decision the conflicted heroine would make at the end.This is not the film to appreciate Gigli's brilliant singing, which is poorly recorded by the British sound engineers, but it's very worth seeing. I actually had tears in my eyes during the final plot twists. Recommended!

lora64 I recall seeing this movie 50 years ago when very young and impressionable, and needless to say I'm still impressed by it. This is a poignant, unfolding story of shipboard romance, disappointed love, and then overcoming unrequited love and finding solace in learning to care again for others, but is that a true substitute for love?Joan Gardner, as Helen, must decide if she is still in love with her former handsome seafaring flame, or has it really died out after they went separate ways, and she married another?B. Gigli, as the great singer Enzo Curti, has been left with only his small son after his wife died. At one of his concerts he notices Helen who is in tears when he sings his memorable song, "Non ti scordar de me" and is deeply attracted to her but his poor English hinders him. Eventually they meet and arrange to meet again the next day when, surprise, Gigli brings along a huge dictionary! That gets him over the hurdle somewhat as far as words are concerned. It's a lovely and touching affection that springs to life between them.There are so many wonderful operatic melodies which Gigli sings in his golden voice, yet the title of the movie (translated)"Do Not Forget Me" dominates as it is sung as background music earlier and as a concert hall solo also.It's an unforgettable hit. Just enjoy and treasure the moments!