atlasmb Philadelphia's own crooner, Mario Lanza, looks positively svelte in his real film debut. He also sounds as good as he ever will and shows his acting talents in this formulaic story of an amateur singer who longs for a big break in the opera world. It's a story not unlike Lanza's own.Jose Iturbi--MGM's resident maestro--is the impresario Lanza's character, Johnny Donnetti, seeks to impress, with the help of Kathryn Grayson.Whether one is a fan of opera or not, this is the film to watch to best appreciate Mario Lanza's film contributions and his leading man potentiality. The musical selections, including "They Didn't Believe Me", allow Lanza to demonstrate his ability to master both pop and classical songs.The romantic storyline is tepid and predictable. The comedic elements are tolerable distractions. Mario Lanza almost singlehandedly makes this production worth watching with his sterling presence.

Boba_Fett1138 This is yet another MGM musical with a standard and predictable love-story that has all the familiar ingredients in it. It's one of those typical movies of which you already know how its going to end. From start till finish, nothing refreshing or unpredictable ever happens to be honest.However of course these sort of movies were made to simply entertain its audience. It's a fun romantic movie. You just sit back and enjoy it, without thinking too much about its story.This time the musical takes an operatic twist, which should delight the fans of it. I shall immediately admit that opera is not entirely my cup of tea. Never has been and never will be most likely. Still there was enough to enjoy for me, since the movie also wasn't made entirely in 'opera style'. The movie was good lighthearted, romantic fun to watch, even though it all was nothing too remarkable, refreshing or original all.The actors were cast for their signing voices and musical skills rather than their acting abilities but that however is fine and acceptable for a movie in this sort of genre. Their musical skills most certainly compensate enough for their acting skills! Mario Lanza was one of the most talented young singers of the last century who unfortunately died way too early. Ethel Barrymore also does what she can do best; play a character who lies most of the time in bed. None of the comical actors really work out in the movie, probably mainly because it doesn't blend in that well with the operatic elements of the movie, that are the most prominent present in the story.It's a worth seeing, charming movie. Don't expect anything too spectacular or original. Just sit back, enjoy and try not to think too much about the typical MGM musical formulaic story. It does not fail to entertain!7/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

Neil Doyle It was only natural that when Mario Lanza made his film debut, MGM cast him opposite their current operatic diva, Kathryn Grayson, and showcased both of them in a sumptuous technicolor musical.This film also marked the last film of Jose Iturbi, who lent his talent and charm to a number of MGM musicals in the '40s. The story is a simple one: opera singer Grayson would like to have a tenor who looks the part of the tenor role. When Lanza, a singing truck driver is discovered, she gets her wish--and a happy ending isn't far away. Humor of the painful kind is furnished by Jules Munshin and J. Carrol Naish but nothing really matters when Lanza and Grayson burst into song. Among the song highlights: Donizetti's "Una Furtiva Lagrima" and Verdi's "Celeste Aida". Grayson, who always had a burning ambition to be an opera singer, does a fine job on "Cara Nome" with her bright soprano.The schmaltz is pretty thick--but fans of Grayson and Lanza will certainly enjoy this trifle. And, oh yes, Ethel Barrymore is prominent among the supporting players showing a droll sense of humor.

TxMike When "That Midnight Kiss" was filmed, star Kathryn Grayson, a coloratura soprano, was already a veteran with 11 movies on her resume'. Even though they are about the same age, this was Mario Lanza's first featured role, and he performed it well. The musical production numbers are good-looking and great-sounding, with perhaps the two premiere singers of that era, the late 40s.Born Alfredo Cocozza, with an adopted stage name of Mario Lanza, in this movie he plays Johnny Donnetti, an ex-GI born in Philadelphia and with perhaps the greatest tenor voice of all time. It is almost a Mario Lanza biography. In this movie he is "discovered", ends up replacing a temperamental Italian tenor in the operatic production, falls in love with Grayson's character, and the movie ends with their very first kiss.I rated this movie 7 of 10. It is a nice little piece of fluff, nothing new or particularly interesting in the story. Typical MGM fare for that era. But if you love music and great singing, and want a chance to see and hear Mario Lanza, the whole hour and a half is totally enjoyable.