Mr. Imperium (1951)

An American singer (Lana Turner) working in Italy meets a Prince (Ezio Pinza) and they fall in love but duty call and the Prince returns to his country. Jump 12 years later, she is a famous Hollywood actress and he is a King. They have a rendezvous in Palm Springs which rekindles their romance. Based on the play by Edwin H. Knopf and directed by Don Hartman (HOLIDAY AFFAIR). Opera singer Ezio Pinza had a great success on Broadway in SOUTH PACIFIC. MGM attempted to repeat the success by turning him into a film star. It backfired! Pinza is a weak actor, has zero screen presence and one cringes for poor Lana Turner whenever he attempts to make love to her (in actuality, she couldn't stand him). MGM released his second film STRICTLY DISHONORABLE first and then MR. IMPERIUM. After that, it was back to opera for him. The songs are by Harold Arlen and Dorothy Field, normally terrific songwriters but they come up with mediocrities here. Some spark is provided by a young Debbie Reynolds and Marjorie Main. With Barry Sullivan, Cedric Hardwicke and Ann Codee.