That Midnight Kiss *** (1949, Kathryn Grayson, Mario Lanza, Ethel Barrymore, José Iturbi, Keenan Wynn, J Carrol Naish, Marjorie Reynolds, Thomas Gomez, Jules Munshin) – Classic Movie Review 11,680

Director Norman Taurog’s 1949 MGM Technicolor musical That Midnight Kiss is the credited screen début of Mario Lanza as the singing and romancing lead, Johnny Donnetti, being pushed into the big time by Abigail Budell (Ethel Barrymore) and falling for the charms of her daughter, Prudence Budell (Kathryn Grayson).

The strong star line-up is Kathryn Grayson, Mario Lanza, Ethel Barrymore, José Iturbi (as himself), Keenan Wynn, J Carrol Naish, Marjorie Reynolds, Thomas Gomez, Jules Munshin and Arthur Treacher.

That Midnight Kiss is a tasty light soufflé of pleasing performances and satisfying songs, varying between the light classical (‘Celeste Aida’) and pure pop (‘They Didn’t Believe Me’).

MGM ensure that it is complete escapism for utter romantics.

Also in the cast are Mimi Aguglia, Amparo Iturbi, Bridget Carr, Amparo Ballester, Ann Codee, Edward Earle, George Meader, Sheila Stein, Edward Gargan, Richard Lane and Charles Smith.

That Midnight Kiss cost $1,701,000, and earned $1,728,000 in the US and Canada and $1,449,000 overseas resulting in a profit of $173,000

Lanza and Grayson re-teamed along with Naish for The Toast of New Orleans (1950).

Lanza had previously appeared a chorus member (uncredited) in Winged Victory (1944).

A mural dedicated to Mario Lanza in his birth town of Philadelphia.

Mario Lanza (January 31, 1921 – October 7, 1959) was born Alfredo Arnold Cocozza in Philadelphia to Italian parents. His mother was Maria Lanza.

Lanza’s August 1947 concert at the Hollywood Bowl brought him to the attention of Louis B Mayer, who signed him to a seven-year film contract with MGM.

José Iturbi Báguena (28 November 1895 – 28 June 1980) appeared in several Hollywood films of the 1940s, notably playing himself in the musicals Thousands Cheer (1943), Music for Millions (1944), Anchors Aweigh (1945), That Midnight Kiss (1949), and Three Daring Daughters (1948).

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,680

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