Prelude to Glory (1950)
Directed by Georges Lacombe
Genres - Drama |
Sub-Genres - Musical Comedy |
Run Time - 100 min. |
Countries - France |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
Former documentary director George Lacombe was at his professional peak in the early 1950s, as witness Lacombe's excellent Prelude a la Gloire. Famed symphony conductor Roberto Benzi stars as Roberto, a young bricklayer who aspires to a musical career. Discovered by ageing orchestra leader Marachal (Debucourt), Roberto is groomed as Marachal's protegee. The protagonist then falls into the hands of a less-talented composer (Paul Bernard) and his opportunistic wife (Andre Le Gail), who hope to exploit Roberto for their own gain. While the dramatic scenes in Prelude a la Gloire are entertaining enough, the musical sequences approach brilliance.