AllMovie

Giuseppe Verdi's beloved opera arrives on the small screen for the whole family to enjoy in this film designed to spark conversation among family members regarding the themes and topics. When Ribaldi moves into Castle Gate, Bonnie fears that he may make good on his promise to evict her impoverished family. A physically hideous man whose personality makes his outward appearance look positively ravishing, Ribaldi hires Bonnie to work in his castle. When the young girl learns that Ribaldi is a master singer and teacher, she implores him to help her in refining her own vocal talents. Through the course of her lessons Bonnie's inner beauty slowly chips away at Ribaldi's gruff exterior revealing a soul of great kindness and deep wisdom. Though the children of Castle Gate also begin to take notice of Ribaldi's remarkable transformation, the parents of the town remain blinded by his hideous visage as terrible rumors fuel the fire of their hatred and ignorance.