The Toast of New Orleans 1950

The Toast of New Orleans
MGM, 1950, Color, 103 minutes, ***½
Released August, 1950


Pepe (Mario Lanza) and his uncle (J. Carrol Naish) are fishermen in a little village in Louisiana. They are happy enough until New Orleans opera star, Suzette Micheline (Kathryn Grayson), comes to the village and sings for them. Pepe thinks he's in love with Suzette, and he's intrigued by the idea of making money singing. So, he and Uncle Nicky move to New Orleans and Pepe goes to work for the opera company. But, his singing doesn't need as much work as do his manners and his "polish," so work begins on turning Pepe into a gentleman. It's a good story with lots of wonderful music.

"Be My Love," sung by Grayson and Lanza was a big hit, and was nominated for Best Song Academy Award. Other highlights include the highly energetic "Tina Lina," danced by James Mitchell and Rita Moreno ,"Boom Biddy Boom Boom" (sung by Lanza) and a slew of great opera arias sung by Grayson and Lanza. The finale scene is great, too!


Produced by: Joe Pasternak
Directed by: Norman Taurog
Written by: Sy Gomberg and George Wells
Musical Direction: Georgie Stoll
Operatic Numbers Conducted by: Johnny Green
Songs: Music by Nicholas Brodszky, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Dances Staged by: Eugene Loring
Orchestrations: Conrad Salinger, Robert Franklyn
Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Daniel B. Cathcart
Set Decorations: Edwin B. Willis
Associate: Richard A. Pefferle
Women's Costumes by: Helen Rose
Men's Costumes by: Walter Plunkett
Hair Styles Designed by: Sydney Guilaroff
Make-Up Created by: William J. Tuttle
Recording Supervisor: Douglas Shearer
Director of Photography: William Snyder
Special Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie, Warren Newcombe
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultants: Henri Jaffa, James Gooch
Film Editor: Gene Ruggiero

Awards: Nominated for Best Song Academy Award ("Be My Love")

Cast: Kathryn Grayson [Suzette Micheline], Mario Lanza [Pepe Abellard Duvalle], David Niven [Jacques Riboudeaux], J. Carrol Naish [Nicky Duvalle], James Mitchell [Pierre], Richard Hageman [Maestro P. Trellini], Clinton Sundberg [Oscar], Sig Arno [Mayor], Rita Moreno [Tina], Romo Vincent [Manuelo], George Davis [Stooge], Marietta Canty [Angelique], Alex Gerry [Headwaiter], Wallis Clark [Mr. O'Neill], Henry Corden, Nick Thompson [Fishermen], Mary Benoit [Woman], Betty Daniels, Louise Bates [Dowagers], Leon Belasco [Orchestra Leader], Fred Essler [Emile], Nino Pipitone [Store Keeper], Eduard Moreno, Dino Bolognese, Guy DeVestal [Waiters], Paul Frees [Narrator]

Musical Program: [0:00] The Toast of New Orleans (Mario Lanza and Chorus behind titles); [0:07] O luce di quest'anima (from the opera LINDA DI CHAMOUNIX by Donizetti, sung by Kathryn Grayson at the festival); [0:09] Be My Love (Kathryn Grayson, joined by Mario Lanza at festival); [0:13] The Tina Lina (sung by Mario Lanza and Chorus, danced by Mario Lanza, James Mitchell, Rita Moreno and Ensemble); [0:23] Je suis Titania (from MIGNON, sung by Kathryn Grayson); [0:30] Boom Biddy Boom Boom (Mario Lanza and Chorus); [0:33] La ci darem la mano (from DON GIOVANNI, sung by Kathryn Grayson and unidentified tenor); [0:41] Be My Love (Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson at Dominique's); [0:45] Flower Song (from the opera CARMEN, sung by Mario Lanza at recital); [0:49] Montage: Regnava nel silenzio (from LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, sung by Kathryn Grayson) / O Paradiso (from L'AFRICAINE, sung by Mario Lanza) / Ombres légères (from DINORAH, sung by Kathryn Grayson) / M'appari tutt' amor (from MARTHA, sung by Mario Lanza); [0:51] The Tina Lina (reprise, Mario Lanza, J. Carrol Naish and Chorus in dive); [0:55] I'll Never Love You (Mario Lanza serenading Suzette through door); [0:58] Libiamo, Libiamo (The Drinking Song from LA TRAVIATA, sung by Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson at Dominique's); [1:05] Bayou Lullaby (Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson on the bayou); [1:23] I'll Never Love You (Mario Lanza at Dominique's); [1:29] Viene la Sera (Love Duet from MADAMA BUTTERFLY, sung by Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson)