Serenade (1956)
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8% of users liked it
(89 ratings)
Loosely based on a novel by James M. Cain, this romantic drama centers on the struggles of a humble vineyard worker (real-life opera star Mario Lanza) who rises to become a renowned opera star. In the original book, Damon, the protagonist, has a homosexual relationship with the patron who boosts his… More Loosely based on a novel by James M. Cain, this romantic drama centers on the struggles of a humble vineyard worker (real-life opera star Mario Lanza) who rises to become a renowned opera star. In the original book, Damon, the protagonist, has a homosexual relationship with the patron who boosts his career, but in the film, the patron is a wealthy and manipulative young woman named Kendall (Joan Fontaine). As charming as she is selfish, poor Damon cannot help but fall in love with Kendall. Unfortunately, she is a fickle creature and soon grows bored with him, thereby breaking his heart and causing him to choke during his audition for the Met. Afterward, he flees to Mexico. There he comes down with a mysterious, debilitating movie disease. Fortunately, Juana, a beautiful ex-bullfighter's daughter is there to help him recover. Damon falls in love with her, but just as it looks like happiness will finally be his, conniving Kendall reappears. In addition to singing numerous selections from popular operas, Lanza also sings a pair of Sammy Cahn/Nicholas Brodszky pop tunes: "Serenade" and "My Destiny." ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Anthony Mann
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 2000 Wide
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Cast
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Mario Lanza
as Damon Vincente
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Joan Fontaine
as Kendall Hale
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Vincent Price
as Charles Winthrop
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Sarita Montiel
as Juana Montez
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Joseph Calleia
as Prof. Marcatello
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Harry Bellaver
as Monte
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Vince Edwards
as Marco Roselli
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Silvio Minciotti
as Lordelli
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Frank Puglia
as Manuel
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Edward Platt
as Carter
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Frank Yaconelli
as Giuseppe
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Mario Siletti
as Sanroma
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María del Mar Serrano
as Rosa
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Eduardo Noriega
as Felipe
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Licia Albanese
as Singer
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Jean Fenn
as Singer
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Stephen Bekassy
as Hanson
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Elizabeth Flournoy
as Elevator Operator
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Martin Garralaga
as Romero
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Creighton Hale
as Assistant Stage Manager
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Lillian Molieri
as Tosca in "Tosca"
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Leo Mostovoy
as Chief
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Victor Romito
as Bass
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José Torvay
as Mariachi Leader
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Antonio Triana
as Dancer
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Don Turner
as Bus Driver
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Joseph Vitale
as Baritone
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Ralph Volkie
as Cop
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Jack Santoro
as Busboy
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Johnstone White
as Hughes the Butler
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Mickey Golden
as Cabdriver
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Diane Gump
as Party Guest
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Laura Mason
as Fedora in "Fedora"
- April Stride
- William Fox
