Customer Reviews

Seven Hills of Rome [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm probably being a little generous in giving this film three stars. After all, it's undoubtedly Mario Lanza's weakest movie effort. The fault isn't his, but rather the meandering script and lack-lustre direction. To make matters worse, there is very little in the way of substance for Lanza to sing. Still, there are a few compensations along the way...

Lanza's previous film, the much underrated Serenade, was a poor performer at the box office in 1956. Nervous producers decided that Lanza's next movie should shift the emphasis away from the drama and solid operatic selections to a much lighter presentation of the popular tenor. Unfortunately they went too far, reducing Lanza to just one aria (Questa O Quella from Rigoletto) and a fragment of another. Instead of his usual role as an opera singer, Lanza is merely a TV/nightclub performer this time, and his selections include the pretty Arrivederci, Roma and a handful of largely forgettable popular ballads. Ironically, the biggest vocal highlight of this movie is Lanza's imitations of OTHER singers. His impersonations of Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Dean Martin and - believe it or not - Louis Armstrong are hilarious, and amazing in their accuracy.

The original script was reportedly a good one, but the producers soon realised that it contained enough material for a five-hour movie. This resulted in drastic re-writes (even on the film set), and therein lies the problem. This is a movie without a solid story, and instead we are left with some enchanting shots of Rome, some sporadically good acting from Lanza, and two engaging co-stars in the Loren-lookalike Marissa Allassio and the popular comedian Renato Rascel.

This movie will probably not win Lanza any new admirers, but diehard fans will enjoy it. Happily, Lanza's next (and final) movie, For the First Time, was a considerable improvement, with enough opera AND popular ballads to satisfy every type of music lover.

'Seven Hills of Rome," was Mario's later film but great as well. It's beautiful locate din Rome and Mario sings a lovely repitore of songs. It's romantic funny, and will really hold your interest. A must for all Mario fans.

please i write from italy my is a questions? i search two video VHS film for MARIO LANZA PAL VERSION! for europe! ok! IS POSSIBOLE RICEVE MY DIRECT TO HOME THIS FILM? I WAITING THE ANSWER AND THE TITLE ARE / SEVEN HILLS OF ROME AND FOR THE FIRST TIME THANK' you and good wark frankj ps the price!

Have no idea when I last saw this film, but decided to watch it before my first trip to Rome. It is a delight and Lanza is in great form. The songs were wonderful and the scenery beautiful creating a very enjoyable film. I'll be very disappointed if someone doesn't break out in song during my visit!!