Let's be realistic.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

MGM has gone to a lot of trouble to obtain the rights to film Marjorie Lawrence's story. Miss Lawrence is a renowned Australian opera star known for her struggle against polio. Undoubtedly, her life serves as an inspiration to many. And it's a shame that this production doesn't do it justice.Eleanor Parker is very believable conveying the dramatic aspects of Lawrence's disability, though the singing is obviously dubbed. The vocals for the musical numbers are in fact provided by Eileen Farrell. So, why has MGM gone to all this trouble? Why not just make the picture with Jeanette MacDonald or Kathryn Grayson?

'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.

Wonderful. This movie is simply a masterpiece. Eleanor Parker (some may know her as the baroness in the Sound of Music) once again excels. Interrupted Melody is an inspiring, thought-provoking, heart-rending account of a farm girl's desire to be an opera singer, and the touching sacrifice of her husband for her when she falls desperately sick. Yes, there is a lot of singing in this movie, excerpts from various famous operas, but they add rather than take away from the film. I think everyone will be moved to tears by a few scenes, and the culmination of the film when she manages to walk again still gives me goosebumps. I recommend this film to all, male or female, probably not to young children as they may get bored, but certainly from teenagers up, or anyone why wants to be inspired to succeed despite the worst adversities.

I studied opera with Marjorie Lawrence in the 1970's and she was an incredible, vital, and exciting personality. She was larger than life and her presence dominated any gathering she attended.The movie captures many of her physical mannerisms. Her voice was most suited to the Wagnerian repertoire and the selection of the great Eileen Farrel to sing the more popular arias chosen for the film was an excellent one. However, Miss Lawrence was disappointed that her own voice wasn't used as had been agreed, which I understand resulted in a settlement in her favor.Her husband, Doctor King, was an great gentleman and devoted to her.Following the years depicted in the film, she became an educator at Southern Illinois University where she was very respected and loved.