Customer Reviews

Rhapsody aka Rapsodia [Import]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Regardless of the debatable qualities of the plot and the economical technical characteristics of the movie-making, I enjoyed this period film because it helped popularize classical music at the time. More specifically, because great violinist Michael Rabin and great pianist Claudio Arrau actually played the music, a good deal of it accompanied by an unidentified orchestra directed by Johnny Green.

I am also mindful of the fact that this is the only record left to us of Arrau's playing passages of Rachmaninoff's piano concerto No. 2 (and how characteristically beautiful the piano sounds!). Apart from various passages by Chopin, Liszt and Schumann that Arrau recorded more than once elsewhere, the film contains an astonishing excerpt from Scriabin's Etude No. 12 (Op. 8) never recorded elsewhere by him, and a beautiful excerpt of a popular Strauss waltz, likewise never recorded by Arrau elsewhere. (This is not to mention an excerpt from Liszt's Liebesträume No 3 with a wrong note for Liz Taylor). There is also the piano accompanying of violinist Rabin's rehearsing the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, which is unique.

I suspect that recordings longer than the ones actually used for the film may have been made. A DVD release of this movie may be the ideal medium to collect and preserve for posterity a restored edition of such recordings, particularly those items which were recorded uniquely for this film.

This movie has always been one of my favorites because it brings me back to my college years (long time ago). It stars Elizabeth Taylor, Vittorio Gassman and John Ericson , all at their most stunning physically if not artistically. However, there is not too much to be done with the schmaltzy story about the rich and beautiful young woman who pursues her dashing violinist across Europe only to learn that his violin is more important to him than her company or her money. Meanwhile, her neighbor (Ericson), also a gifted musician (pianist), is yearning for her and happily puts her ahead of his music. Taylor's wealthy father is played effortlessly by Louis Calhern as a sardonic but ultimately caring force in her life (a typical Calhern role). I recommend this film as wonderful escapism and suggest you forget about serious content, lasting significance, etc. and just sit back and enjoy a glamorous if vapid Liz Taylor, a handsome pair of suitors (especially Gassman) and some of the most beautiful music in the world (there are soaring performances, or partial performances, and background music featuring Tchaikovsky's violin concerto, Rachmaninov's piano concerto and assorted other classical masterpieces). I was delighted when this came out on DVD but it seems to be in short supply. However, the DVD is an excellent transfer and is much more beautiful to watch and hear than the old video.

I plan on buying the VHS of this movie just based on seeing it on cable tv recently. It is hard to find any work done by actor John Ericson on TV or tape. I enjoyed his performance overall very much, and especially, his scene in the bar with Vittorio Gassman, and when he plays the piano concerto. Elizabeth Taylor also, did a commendable job. The whole cast was well selected and were good in their performances. I also enjoyed the performance of the actor, don't remember his name, who played the part of Professor Schuman. This is purely a romantic movie, and I being a romantic at heart, loved it. Beautiful scenery, beautiful classial music and a well assembled cast with good performances are truly worth buying the tape. I just hope that in the future this movie will be released on DVD. I will be the first in line to purchase it.

The primary joy of this film is watching it with friends who appreciate extremely bad films. The implausibility of the plot line rivals Magnificent Obsession; the melodrama of Elizabeth Taylor's performance is noteworthy--even for her; and the sentimentality--well, you can't get any better. I've yet to meet someone who is disappointed with this very bad film.

This movie demonstrates the results of a big ego and of looking out only for your own wants and needs... then the second half shows how being a selfless person can not only make others benefit, but also gets you what you want when you're genuinely selfless and giving. There is also excellent music and Elizabeth Taylors great beauty at its best to set the scene. I'ts a pity this is not on DVD. The ending is REALLY great!!!

RHAPSODY IS SPECTACULAR FOR ITS LOCATIONS AND LIZ'S WARDROBE. TWO OF THE MOST HANDSOME MALE ACTORS, VITTORIO GASSMAN & JOHN ERICSON, ARE RARELY SEEN IN AMERICAN MOVIES. THE MAIN ATTRACTION IS THE MUSIC, ESPECIALLY THE 2ND PIANO CONCERTO RACHMANINOFF, PLAYED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY A WONDERFUL ORCHESTRA. THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE DIFFICULTIES OF LOVE.

I watched this film on a bad day and by the end of the movie i was feeling much better, it was lovely watching Elizabeth Taylor's character realise the mistakes she made and the music was fabulous, the film was one that Elizabeth Taylor herself said it should never have gone before a camera, but I'm so glad it did because it left a lasting impression and I would buy it in a second if it was on DVD....Acting was good, Music was good, Story Line was good, it will work for you if you are a true romantic.

Rhapsody was a real treat. The music alone is the price of admission. Yes the story is standard soap. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but cheer for Ericson's character to get the girl. Also, please watch for bad jump cut. It occurrs during the train station scene. Ericson's back is towards viewer, as he about to pick up his bag, there is a reel change and suddenly he is standing straight. Now onto the rest of the review. This is a difficult movie interms of acting. Why? Because during the long musical performances. We get cutaway after cutaway or reaction shots. I know it was 1954 but couldn't the director have taken us out of the hall and showed us some cute kids, flowers or dogs or cats?

The presentation of this movie on cable was shown in it's theatrical aspect ratio. I would say judging by the black bars, looks like VistaVision. The point is, it didn't help. Would I buy the picture, of course! I hope it is released via DVD. That's my opinion.

I love this movie. Why? The music was fantastic. Victorio Gasman and John Ericson were gorgeous. I love that they play the instruments as if they know how to play them. And Liz's beauty was unreal. Anyway I am crazy for Liz's movies from the 40's and 50's except Cat on the Hot Thin Roof and Butterfield 8 which I could not stand.

I bought this because a dear friend was one of the violinists as a young man and enjoyed it very much. The disc did not play on one Zenith DVD player but did on another one. The music was fantastic especially when the supervising violinist was standing behind Vitorio Gassman playing the violin as if Gassman was playing - amazing! Elizabeth Taylor was perfect as the spoiled little rich girl and Louis Calhern wonderful as her father.