Gino Sinimberghi Movies
- 1955
In the last stages of his career, veteran American director Robert Z. Leonard dabbled in international productions. One of the best-distributed of these was the Gina Lollobrigida vehicle Beautiful But Dangerous. Lollobrigida is cast as Lina Cavaliari, an earthy Italian peasant who becomes a world-renowned opera singer. She also matriculates into something of a mantrap, making up for all the years that she was spurned and ignored by her "betters." One of Lina's many swains is played by none other than Robert Alda. Originally titled La Donna piu bella del mondo, Beautiful But Dangerous benefits immeasurably from Mario Bava's sumptuous cinematography. And as a bonus, La Lollo does her own singing! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gina Lollobrigida, Vittorio Gassman, (more)
- 1952
A version of the Donizetti opera -- Sophia Loren(aka Sophia Lazzaro) appears in one of her first starring roles. In Italian with English narration. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1949
At the time of its release, this filmization of Verdi's opera Il Trovatore was praised for its "cinematic" qualities: that is, it didn't look like just another photographed stage play. Director Carmine Gallone even expanded upon the battle sequences that are usually sketchily presented on stage. At 102 minutes, the film takes a lot less time getting to the tragically ironic finale than the original opera, which runs four full acts. The leading roles of gypsy woman Azucena and Conte di Luna are sung and acted by opera favorites Gianna Pederzini and Enzo Mascherini; on the other hand, hero and heroine Manrico (Gino Sinimberghi) and Leonora (Vittorina Colonello) appear to be dubbed. The choral numbers are performed by members of the Rome Opera House. One word of warning: anyone who's seen the Marx Brothers' Night at the Opera may have trouble getting through The Anvil Chorus with a straight face. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gino Sinimberghi
- 1949
Italian director Carmine Gallone, who previously brought the Giueseppe Verdi opera Il Trovatore to the screen, herein offers a cinemazation of Verdi's La Forza del Destino. With a less dynamic plot than Trovatore, this Verdi composition can be appreciated on the merits of its music alone. Famed opera star Tito Gobbi does his own singing (of course), while his co-stars Nelly Corradi and Gino Sinimberghi are dubbed by Caterina Mancini and Galliano Masino. The stars are backed up by the orchestra and chorus of the Rome Opera. Not quite as well filmed as Il Trovatore, La Forza del Destino is still a must for opera buffs. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nelly Corradi, Gino Sinimberghi, (more)
- 1949
Released a few months after the Italian The Passion According to St. Mathew, this Austrian film is, like the earlier effort, based on a theatre piece. But whereas the Italian picture was inspired by Bach's oratorio, St. Mathew's Passion is a filmed record of a newly commissioned State Burgtheatre production. Actor Raoul Aslan movingly recites the biblical story of the last days of Christ, while the Philharmonic Orchestra of Vienna underscores his words. Director Ernst Marischka breaks up the visual monotony of the proceeding by utilizing a montage of photographs and paintings of the Middle Eastern regions where the original story took place. Reviewers felt that St. Mathew's Passion should have been promoted as a documentary rather than a dramatic feature. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Gino Sinimberghi, (more)
- 1948
Set in a Swiss village in the early 1800s, Bellini's La Sonnambula is concerned with intrigues surrounding the engagement of the lovely Amina to the handsome Elvino. All are happy about the engagement, save Lisa, the spurned former lover of Elvino. A stranger, Rodolfo, enters the village. Rodolfo is, in fact, the missing heir to a local Count's estate, but he prefers to keep his identity a secret. Rodolfo is also quite taken with Amina, and the attention he pays to her inspires jealousy in Elvino. With darkness encroaching, the assembled disperse, due to rumors of a phantom that walks the area at night. Lisa follows Rodolfo to his room, having guessed his true identity, and the two engage in mutual flirtation. Their tete a tete is indirectly witnessed by Teresa, Amina's foster mother. Shortly, Amina also enters Rodolfo's room; it is clear that she is sleepwalking, and Rodolfo overcomes temptation by leaving the room, after which Amina returns to her sleeping state. Lisa quickly fetches Elvino, who accepts Amina's presence in another man's room as proof infidelity and breaks off their engagement. Rodolfo tries to clear Amina's name, but his explanation falls on deaf ears, and it appears that Elvino will now marry Lisa. However, Teresa tells Elvino of what she witnessed between Rodolfo and Lisa, and Elvino quickly abandons Lisa as well. Eventually, Amina is witnessed by Elvino, sleepwalking dangerously across a teetering plank bridge. Realizing his error, Elvino reunites with Amina. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
- 1947
The plot of the Italian Before Him All Rome Trembled bears traces of the Puccini opera Tosca. Let's go farther than that: it is Tosca, albeit in modern dress. During World War II, British agent Joop van Hulsen parachutes into Rome. He is hidden in the catacombs of the Royal Opera by anti-fascists. As a production of Tosca progresses on the stage of the opera house, the activities below ground begin to mirror the events in the Puccini piece, wherein the heroine must choose between allowing a political prisoner to die, or to surrender herself sexually to the one man who can save the prisoner's life. Most of the acting is as floridly operatic as the musical numbers, with the exception of earth-mother Anna Magnani. Before Him All Rome Trembled was originally released as Davanti a lui tremave tutta Roma.. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anna Magnani, Gino Sinimberghi, (more)
- 1946
In this screen adaptation of Donizetti's comic opera, a flirtatious young girl loves teasing the boys. One young man is particularly enamored and goes to the local medicine man for a love potion. The strange brew works and romance ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tito Gobbi
