Mario Lanza

Culled from original television kinescopes, the home release Mario Lanza compiles an assortment of rare vintage performances from the legendary, eponymous operatic tenor. It opens with a Lanza performance recorded on September 30, 1954, in which the soloist interprets arias from +Pagliacci, with accompaniment by the Harry James Orchestra and an appearance by the late screen siren Betty Grable. The program then segues into a concert appearance recorded on October 28, 1954, in which Lanza interprets pieces from +Tosca and +Vagabond King. It subsequently jumps ahead three years for a Halloween eve performance - shot on October 31, 1957 - of "Santa Lucia," "Because You're Mine," and Schubert's "Ave Maria." This release also packs in a bonus interview with Mario and his wife, Betty Lanza.