Main Cast: Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Marjorie Main, Barry Sullivan, Cedric Hardwicke
Release Year: 1951
Country: US
Run Time: 87 minutes
Plot
Ezio Pinza stars as the title character, a prince who falls for nightclub singer Fredda Barlo (Lana Turner) when the two meet on vacation in Italy. After more than a decade, they reunite, only now Barlo is a Hollywood superstar and Imperium has ascended to the throne of king. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
Review
Mr. Imperium is a yummy little romantic musical. Is it a flawless classic? By no means. But Imperium has something that many much better films often lack -- genuine charm. Thank the handsome Ezio Pinza and the luscious Lana Turner for this. Neither Pinza nor Turner is giving what could be called a great acting performance in Imperium, although they are much more than satisfactory in this area. But their star personalities and delicious chemistry count for much more than acting prowess, especially given a screenplay that doesn't require a Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep. The two stars are wonderful company, and viewers are likely to forgive Imperium a lot merely for the chance to pass an hour and half or so with them. Certainly, the material requires some forgiving, for certain situations have been presented to the audience many times before, and it has to be said that a character here and there is a bit more cardboard than flesh-and-blood. In addition to the stars, there is fine support from Barry Sullivan in a thankless role, Sir Cedric Hardwicke in a wicked one, Debbie Reynolds in prime teenaged condition, and especially Marjorie Main in one of her very rare non-hick roles. Throw in some gorgeous on-location lensing, a few nifty musical numbers from Harold Arlen and Dorothy Fields, and some nifty costumes from Walter Plunkett, and the result is an enjoyable way to kill some time. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Mr. Imperium (UK title: You Belong to My Heart) is a 1951 romantic drama film made by MGM. It was directed by Don Hartman who co-wrote screenplay with Edwin H. Knopf, based on play by Edwin H. Knopf. The music score is by Bronisław Kaper.
