Ever since I saw this production of The Csardas Princess I was captivated by it. The operetta is I think Kalmann's best, with a fun and sweet story and wonderful music. This production is lovely, though I do agree that while there is a lot of verve and lushness the orchestra do have a somewhat pinched sound sometimes, though that may have been to do with the sound quality. The costumes and sets are very sumptuous though, the scenery simply gorgeous and the photography and lighting fluid and almost dream-like. I especially loved the scene on the river. The staging is always charming and fun, and the choreography is so light-on-their-feet and hypnotising that it takes you to another world. The performances are wonderful. While her voice is not quite as gorgeous as in the 50s-60s, Anna Moffo still sings beautifully and is positively radiant. Rene Kollo is youthful and dashing, and displays a sensitively used voice even early on in his career. Dagmar Koller is a delight as Stasi, and Sandor Nemeth proves himself to be an excellent dancer. I usually don't care for additional characters, but this is one of those occasions where one, in the name of Miska, moves the story along and to great effect. All in all, a lovely operetta film. 9/10 Bethany Cox
