The Great American Tenor

Mario Lanza, the New Caruso, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, movie star, the last of the great performers. He was, above all, an iconic star and, during the 40's into the 50's, Lanza dominated the music world singing in such operas as The Merry Wives Of Windsor, Madama Butterfly and La traviata.

Not only was he an amazing singer all-around, he also inspired other great singers influencing such talent as Plácido Domingo, José Carrera and Luciano Pavarroti with his debut movie The Great Caruso in which he portrayed Enrico Caruso. Starring in many hit movies, Mario made his indelible mark on hearts of women everywhere with his good looks and exceptional talent.

What was most remarkable - and probably most famous - about Mario Lanza was his incredible voice and the passion with which he infused within the lyrics. It was the simple way he opened his mouth to sing and how easily the listener fell into the lullaby of his deep tenor, how easily he captured your heart and made it feel what he wanted it to feel as if he owned your very soul. What Lanza sang was real... how he sang was unforgettable... and the voice that was filled with so much passion and truth became what we know now-a-days as legendary.

Movie of the Week

Blood and Sand
1941

A fantastic re-make of the 1922 Valentino classic that captures determination, passion, and the relentless pursuit for success perfectly. Colorful costumes, sets, and a well-drawn out story line gives for 125 minutes of splendid film making.

The equally talented and handsome Tyrone Power plays Juan Gallardo, a man with dreams of becoming the most famous bullfighter in Spain. Soon enough his dreams drive him to absolute success and he finds himself gaining everything and anything that he desires. He returns home bearing gifts for all and receiving one as well when he finds his childhood love is still in love with him and has been waiting for him. But dreams, success and gain don't always bring about the best sort of life.
Juan soon finds himself embroiled in an affair with the stunning beauty Dona Sol which complicates his life and brings Juan back down to earth. He finds himself falling into a downward spiral he can't control and watches as his ambition overwhelms the life he has built up for himself.
Will it be far too late for Juan to pick up the pieces of a life that has fallen apart? Or will he be able to lift himself up again out of the blood and sand he has allowed himself to drown in?

Tyrone Power, Rita Hayworth, Linda Darnell and Anthony Quinn are all superb in this perfect film that captures the glory of Spain. It's a beautiful movie, the performances are flawless, and the depiction is enthralling. Tyrone Power is a definite standout and his acting abilities outshine just about everything else. A classic that will last forever, a movie that is truly timeless - Blood and Sand is one of the best movies ever made.

Movie of the Week

Sunset Blvd.

1950

One of the most compelling and brilliantly acted films ever made. Whenever I see it I am arrested by the enthralling images and the amazing acting most can only dream of. To think of the other actors considered for the role is simply astounding because I simply cannot think of anyone else playing those parts.

Joe Gillis is a down on his luck screenwriter who can't catch a job or a break anywhere. While trying to escape from creditors Joe finds himself with a flat tire and stumbles upon a beautiful mansion on Sunset Blvd. and inside meets a strange butler and the even stranger faded movie star Norma Desmond. He is lured by the money she offers to write her a revised version of the screenplay she herself has drawn up.
Soon enough Joe finds himself in the insane world of Norma Desmond and overwrought with her obsession to go back to Hollywood and become again the star she once was. Can he escape her controlling clutches? Her obsession? Or has he already sunk too deep into the decay and misery surrounding Norma and her crumbling mansion?

William Holden and Gloria Swanson give once in a lifetime performances and Billy Wilder directs the film in a gripping fashion. The movie is beautiful, suspenseful, and also lends a bit of sympathy for the aging Norma Desmond. No matter how much time passes or how many films are made Sunset Blvd. will continue being a stand out and will forever be one of the greatest films ever shot.

TV Show Of The Month

The amazing and amusing television series that ran from 1964 to 1972 starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, a witch who forsakes her magical powers to settle down and marry a mortal man, Darrin Stephens. Her magical family disapproves of her choice and that obstacle provides viewers with laughs and great entertainment.

Elizabeth Montgomery is a true star and an amazing actress very much like her famous father, Robert Montgomery. She shines off the screen and is delightful in every way.
The show is an all around classic. Remarkable and entertaining all around. It is a brilliant delight to watch!

Pin Up Of The Month

Betty Grable