PLOT: Through his tremendous talent and gregarious personality, Enrico Caruso gets a little Quaker girl and her father to lighten up a little.
REVIEW: I am really enjoying the Screen Directors Playhouse series (and my thanks go to Turner Classic Movies for reviving it). There hasn't been a dud yet. And while I agree that this episode isn't the brightest star in that galaxy, it still provides some very entertaining moments.
Lotfi Mansouri does a terrific job of channeling an outgoing and talented Enrico Caruso, and Sandy Descher couldn't be any cuter as the adorable little pixie who invites herself into the Great One's private railroad car. Caruso died in 1921, and just missed the era when movies added sound, so there is probably no film of Caruso singing. This show is probably as close as we will come to "seeing" Caruso sing, and it makes for a richer experience than just listening to his old records.
One thing struck me about this show as I was watching it: Can you imagine a 21st century television show where an unaccompanied 10 year old girl wanders into a room with a stranger, and spends several hours alone with him, without it ever being the slightest bit creepy? Ah, innocence...
Overall, this show was a pleasant and interesting way to pass 30 minutes. Give it a try.
REVIEW: I am really enjoying the Screen Directors Playhouse series (and my thanks go to Turner Classic Movies for reviving it). There hasn't been a dud yet. And while I agree that this episode isn't the brightest star in that galaxy, it still provides some very entertaining moments.
Lotfi Mansouri does a terrific job of channeling an outgoing and talented Enrico Caruso, and Sandy Descher couldn't be any cuter as the adorable little pixie who invites herself into the Great One's private railroad car. Caruso died in 1921, and just missed the era when movies added sound, so there is probably no film of Caruso singing. This show is probably as close as we will come to "seeing" Caruso sing, and it makes for a richer experience than just listening to his old records.
One thing struck me about this show as I was watching it: Can you imagine a 21st century television show where an unaccompanied 10 year old girl wanders into a room with a stranger, and spends several hours alone with him, without it ever being the slightest bit creepy? Ah, innocence...
Overall, this show was a pleasant and interesting way to pass 30 minutes. Give it a try.