There’s quite a familiar premise supporting this colourful costume drama, and it’s proof that Gina Lollobrigida can turn out an operatic aria with some considerable skill, too. Indeed, it’s her own dulcets delivering Verdi’s beautiful “Vissi d’arte” that starts this drama off. Her character, “Lina” is a music hall cantante at the turn of the twentieth century who has a brief encounter with the visiting Russian prince “Sergei” (Vittorio Gassman). The two fall hook, line, and sinker but he must leave to rejoin his regiment. Meantime, she is adopted by musical maestro “Doria” (Robert Alda) who ta…
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