Powerful tenor Mario Lanza (born Alfred Coccozza) studied singing from childhood, and in 1942 gained an audition with conductor Serge Koussevitzky; as a result, he won a scholarship and appeared at the Berkshire Summer Festival in Tanglewood. He was soon signed to a concert tour contract by Columbia, but the tour was interrupted by his World War II service. After his discharge, MGM signed him to a film contract and he starred in a number of tailor-made musical vehicles, beginning with That Midnight Kiss (1949). For several years he was greatly popular; his muscular appearance and powerful voice won many fans, and his rise was rapid. However, personal problems and his struggle with obesity led to a dramatic, quick decline in his career. By the late-'50s he was appearing only in minor films. He died at 38 from a heart attack.
| Title | Year | Editors' Rating | User Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mario Lanza: The American Caruso
Archival Appearance |
1983 | |||
|
For the First Time
Actor |
1959 | |||
|
The Seven Hills of Rome
Actor |
1958 | |||
|
Serenade
Actor |
1956 | |||
|
Lanza on TV
Performance |
1954 | |||
|
The Student Prince
Voice |
1954 | |||
| 1953 | ||||
|
Because You're Mine
Actor |
1952 | |||
|
The Great Caruso
Actor |
1951 | |||
|
The Toast of New Orleans
Actor |
1950 | |||
| 1950 | ||||
|
That Midnight Kiss
Actor |
1949 | |||
|
Winged Victory
Actor |
1944 |


