Johann Strauss,Sr played by Brian Ahearn, is believable. The late Kerwin Mathews' role as Johann, Jr, is excellent and quite a contrast to his action-adventure films from the same period. As in most film biographies of musical composers, Hollywood ( and Disney) take many liberties, intending mostly to capture the mood and flavor of the era (in this case Vienna of the mid-to late 19th Century). The story is well crafted and it is nice to see that Johann's younger brother Josef (Peter Krauss)a more timid lad and also a composer of lesser renown, is encouragingly portrayed. The singing of Strauss' music by Senta Berger is not on par with the legendary Miliza Korjus ( 1938's 'THE GREAT WALTZ' ) or German coloratura soprano Erna Sack, but is engaging, intelligent and much more than adequate in a 'made-for-tv' film. In North America it's TV presentation was split over two Sunday evenings,whereas in Europe it had a successful run in movie theaters.
IT IS A SUPERB FAMILY MOVIE- one that I am happy to have in my collection. RUNNING TIME IS 94 MINUTES - COLOR. If interested in a copy to DVD from an original mint VHS, feel free to contact me at above email address.
IT IS A SUPERB FAMILY MOVIE- one that I am happy to have in my collection. RUNNING TIME IS 94 MINUTES - COLOR. If interested in a copy to DVD from an original mint VHS, feel free to contact me at above email address.