Serenade (1956, dvd)

Synopsis: This film version of James M Cain's steamy novel about a singer who has a homosexual relationship with his patron seems an unlikely vehicle for Hollywood's top tenor Mario Lanza.

But, even with the book's plot substantially changed (the patron is now a woman), this is compulsive viewing thanks to director Anthony Mann's skill, the urbane villainy of Vincent Price and the sheer soap-opera pleasure of watching cool Joan Fontaine and sultry Sarita Montiel vie for Lanza.

The Warner Bros production values are top-notch, and the tubby tenor belts out a couple of popular songs as well as the expected selection of arias. It's a bit long, though.

Cast: Mario Lanza, Joan Fontaine, Vincent Price, Sarita Montiel.
Runtime: 121 min