Excerpts from the 1963 film version of the popular operetta "Die lustige Witwe", with Irene Salemka, Christine Görner, Maurice Besançon, Johannes Heesters, Walter Müller, Herbert Prikopa et al. Music by Franz Lehár.
@@megadim713 I must be searching wrong. I can find only a couple of video recordings (including this one) and a Carmen where is is one of the named smugglers. How on earth did such a good and handsome singer not get recorded more?
Vocally he could not compete with other tenors like Fritz Wunderlich, Waldemar Kmentt, Heinz Hoppe in the 1960s or Adolf Dallapozza in the 1970s. But he was indeed handsome, and so played significant roles in several operetta films (Die Dubarry, Die lustige Witwe, Saison in Salzburg, Der Opernball) as well as TV programs and movies.
This is a superb version of the Widow, Heesters is the best Danilo I've ever seen or heard. Is there a full version? I would love to see the whole film if possible. Please let me know! Thank you for this jewel.
I think this is indeed a great version, but sorry, I think Heesters was the major flaw of the cast. He was 60 at that time, way too old for the role of Danilo (who should be around 30), and his voice was worn out. Peter Alexander would have been a fabulous Danilo in 1963, and there are many others who sang the role much better. I think Irene Salemka was clearly the best singer in this film, her voice simply gorgeous. Too bad she left us only two films. For a good overall performance of Die lustige Witwe check out the 2004 performance from the Zurich Opera House. But I think Irene Salemka was vocally much better than Dagmar Schellenberger. Btw, Herbert Prikopa played Njegus in both versions, 1963 and 2004! He was fun to watch in both versions.
Thank you for your reply. I understand your concern about Heesters' age and voice, I guess it's his acting that I enjoyed. Nevertheless, is there a full version of this Widow? I would love to watch it. Regarding Herbert Prikopa, I have always enjoyed his performances, knew him and his sister Maria well, in the '60s, '70's and '80's in Vienna, and also saw him in the Volksoper as Ferry von Kerekes, Njegus, Napoleon in "Bajadere", and in many other roles. @@megadim713
