Blossom Time [April Blossoms] *** (1934, Richard Tauber, Jane Baxter, Carl Esmond, Athene Seyler,Paul Graetz) – Classic Movie Review 8125

Famous singing star Richard Tauber adds his special lustre to director Paul L Stein’s fairly well polished 1934 British romantic musical Blossom Time [April Blossoms], set in old Vienna, where the composer Franz Schubert (Tauber) tries to compose himself when his girl Vicki Wimpassinger (Jane Baxter) marries another, Count Rudi Von Hohenberg (Carl Esmond).

Eventually he is the agent of bringing them together in agreement with the imperious Archduchess Maria Victoria (Athene Seyler), who controls Count Rudi (Esmond)’s regiment and his life.

This sweet, charming and entertaining old-style musical, based on the opera by Heinrich Berte, is a good showcase for Tauber’s singing talents and star allure. Slow and creaky it may be, because of its old age, but it is still a most interesting antique collector’s item. Most of the original Sigmund Romberg score is jettisoned in favour of authentic Schubert themes.

In the music department are G H Clutsam (music adaptor / music arranger), Idris Lewis (musical director) and Franz Schubert (composer songs).

Also in the cast are Paul Graetz, Charles Carson, Marguerite Allan, Edward Chapman, Lester Matthews, Gibb McLaughlin, Frederick Lloyd, Hugh Dempster, Bertha Belmore, Ivan Samson and Cecil Ramage.

Austrian opera singer Richard Tauber (1891–1948) is one of the finest Mozart tenors of early to mid-20th century Europe.  After fleeing from the Nazis to London, he starred in several popular musical films in England: Heart’s Desire (1935), the Leoncavallo tragedy A Clown Must Laugh (1936), and Forbidden Music (1936). 

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8125

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