Song Without End Movie Review 1960

This musical biography of 19th century Hungarian pianist/composer Franz Lizst is given the Hollywood treatment. The lavish production emphasizes Liszt's scandalous exploits with married women and his life among the royal courts of Europe rather than his musical talents. Features music from several composers including Handel, Beethoven, Bach and Schumann. This film marked the debut of Capucine. Director Vidor died during filming and Cukor stepped in, so there is a noticeable change in style. Although there is much to criticize in the story, the music is beautiful.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS
Running time 130 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Musical Drama, Biopics: Musicians, Period Piece: 19th Century

Cast

Dirk Bogarde, Capucine, Genevieve Page, Patricia Morison, Ivan Desny, Martita Hunt, Lou Jacobi

Cinematography

James Wong Howe

Director

Charles Vidor, George Cukor

Music

Morris Stoloff, Harry Sukman

Awards

Oscars 1960: Scoring/Musical; Golden Globes 1961: Film--Mus./Comedy.