Life in the Bayou for fisherman Mario Lanza comes to an end when an opera star and her agent (Kathryn Grayson and David Niven) visit for the annual blessing of the fishing boats and discover his untrained but classical singing voice. He's unaccustomed to life among polite society so he's a bit crude when introduced. Fame is only a song away with a few bumps along the way. This is basically a re-tread of "That Midnight Kiss" with Lanza in a fishing boat instead of a truck and in period costumes instead of modern dress. Ms. Grayson gives an extremely funny performance, her eyes indicating hysterical disgust as he "intrudes" on her singing of "Be My Love" and later swings her around in a fiery dance. Niven's subtle performance suggests his character is totally amused by Lanza's lack of sophistication and how it puts the woman he loves in some precarious predicaments.
This film is highlighted by the "Tina Lina", a production number sung by Lanza and danced by the people of the Bayou, lead by Broadway dancer James Mitchell (later "All My Children's" Palmer Cortlandt) and future Oscar Winner Rita Moreno. She is a soft and lovely character, not the spitfire usually associated with her, although she brought a lot of femininity to "West Side Story's" Anita who was really only a spitfire when she danced. Pedro Armandariz as Lanza's father makes his stereotypical character a bit more likable by giving him a rough around the edge persona that is actually charming once you get used to him.
There's also a very funny "curtain call" at the end where Grayson and Lanza engage in a chase around the stage (front and back) which seems a pre-cursor to Grayson's later diva in "Kiss Me Kate". My only issue with the film was its repeat of basically the same story as their previous one together and the quick ending that seemed to wrap up the story too abruptly and unbelievably.
This film is highlighted by the "Tina Lina", a production number sung by Lanza and danced by the people of the Bayou, lead by Broadway dancer James Mitchell (later "All My Children's" Palmer Cortlandt) and future Oscar Winner Rita Moreno. She is a soft and lovely character, not the spitfire usually associated with her, although she brought a lot of femininity to "West Side Story's" Anita who was really only a spitfire when she danced. Pedro Armandariz as Lanza's father makes his stereotypical character a bit more likable by giving him a rough around the edge persona that is actually charming once you get used to him.
There's also a very funny "curtain call" at the end where Grayson and Lanza engage in a chase around the stage (front and back) which seems a pre-cursor to Grayson's later diva in "Kiss Me Kate". My only issue with the film was its repeat of basically the same story as their previous one together and the quick ending that seemed to wrap up the story too abruptly and unbelievably.