Fast forward through the pedestrian plot about an Irish immigrant (Marsha Hunt) who rises from Carnegie Hall cleaning woman to nurturing--albeit a little pushy--housemother to aspiring young musicians (along with her estranged pianist son, who joins a--gasp!--dance band), and you'll enjoy this showcase of classical performances. Boasting a distinguished roster of such magnificent musicians as Artur Rubenstein, Jascha Heifetz, Gregor Piatigorsky, Lily Pons, Ezio Pinza, Jan Peerce and Leopold Stokowski (and for the "kids," there's the "modern music" of Harry James and Vaughn Monroe), this 1947 obscurity was a change of pace for "poverty row" master Edgar Ulmer, best known for his resourceful film noirs Detour and Ruthless. Transferred from the original nitrate negative, this DVD looks and sounds great. If the story were as good as the music, it would be a classic. But the performances alone make this a strong optional purchase. (K. Lee Benson)
Carnegie Hall
Kino, 134 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 16, Issue 5
Carnegie Hall
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