Touches You

One of my all time favorites.

Good start, but then it gets ruined

From my favorite movies..

'Interrupted Melody' is the film adaptation of Australian soprano Marjorie Lawrence's autobiography. It tells the fascinating tale of the young woman's thunderous ascent to stardom, her marriage to Dr Thomas King (Glenn Ford), and finally deals with her struggles with polio. The great Eleanor Parker delivers a fantastic performance as Lawrence (with the equally fine Eileen Farrell providing the voice of the Australian prima donna). Parker's acting here is wonderfully appropriate, and captures the intense but subtly delicate style of the great operatic stars of the time. With sumptuous sets, costumes and, of course, music, 'Interrupted Melody' seems to equate to a practically perfect film. In my opinion though, the reality is not quite the case. Lawrence's story is one that is wrought with drama and this movie just doesn't do it complete justice. Nevertheless, 'Interrupted Melody' is a film worth seeing, for all the reasons mentioned earlier. There are many memorable scenes throughout the movie; the ones that deal with her battle against illness are particularly moving. And when, finally, she triumphs after a great fight, both emotionally and physically, it is indeed very poignant.

I was just eleven or so when I watched this movie for the first time, but for many reasons it was very important to me. Great acting, excellent story, touching moments and I remember most of the movie till now, almost 20 years after. I did no know till now that it was based upon a real story, I just remember the tragedy and the force to surpass it. And there, at the movie, I learned to love opera a bit more. At the time I was in love with Tristan and Isolde story and looking for information, and before the net it was really hard to find and I have not many books to search, so at this movie I could see part of the opera and I loved it. I'd like to watch this movie again.

Eleanor Parker brings her usual elegance and intensity to the portrayal of Australian Opera Diva, Marjorie Lawrence. Glenn Ford is her supportive, yet human, husband; their love story is not your standard schmaltzy Hollywood fare. If you like opera, you'll enjoy this film as it includes scenes from many great soprano roles - especially Wagnerian, not just Puccini/Verdi as you usually see in movies - although those are there, too.This is a great 'Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea' film that will make you feel good.

The film does a fine job with the crippling illness of Lawrence and her comeback onstage, but most notable are the performances by the stars. Glenn Ford and Eleanor Parker were never better. Just superb. The scene where she tried to commit suicide and Ford stopped her, broke down, and asked God for help is magnificent and a must-see. Ford and Parker should be well-remembered as excellent actors.