Serenade (1956)

9% of users liked it
(85 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

Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 1 min.
Directed By: Anthony Mann
Genres: Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2000 Wide

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

If you're a fan of Lanza, you should really see this one. The story is alright, but if you're not a fan you'll be bored.

Cast

            Mario Lanza as Damon Vincente

            Joan Fontaine as Kendall Hale

            Vincent Price as Charles Winthrop

            Sarita Montiel as Juana Montez

            Joseph Calleia as Prof. Marcatello

            Harry Bellaver as Monte

            Vince Edwards as Marco Roselli

            Silvio Minciotti as Lordelli

            Frank Puglia as Manuel

            Edward Platt as Carter

            Frank Yaconelli as Giuseppe

            Mario Siletti as Sanroma

            María del Mar Serrano as Rosa

            Eduardo Noriega as Felipe

            Licia Albanese as Singer

            Jean Fenn as Singer

            Stephen Bekassy as Hanson

            Elizabeth Flournoy as Elevator Operator

            Martin Garralaga as Romero

            Creighton Hale as Assistant Stage Manager

            Lillian Molieri as Tosca in "Tosca"

            Leo Mostovoy as Chief

            Victor Romito as Bass

            José Torvay as Mariachi Leader

            Antonio Triana as Dancer

            Don Turner as Bus Driver

            Joseph Vitale as Baritone

            Ralph Volkie as Cop

            Jack Santoro as Busboy

            Johnstone White as Hughes the Butler

            Mickey Golden as Cabdriver

            Diane Gump as Party Guest

            Laura Mason as Fedora in "Fedora"

            April Stride
            
            William Fox
            
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