Main Cast: Imperio Argentina, Michel Simon, Rossano Brazzi, Adriano Rimoldi
Release Year: 1947
Country: IT
Run Time: 105 minutes
Plot
In keeping with its title, The Story of Tosca is more beholden to the original Victorien Sardou novel than the Giacomo Puccini opera. Imperio Argentina plays Tosca, the popular singer who falls in love with freedom-fighting Cavaradossi (Rossano Brazzi) during the Napoleonic era. Accused of pro-Jacobin sentiments by bush-league dictator Scarpia (Michel Simon), Cavaradossi is arrested and sentenced to death. Using her amorous wiles, Tosca tries to arrange a reprieve for her lover, only to be double-crossed by Fate at the finale. A few of Puccini's original melodies seep through the melodrama, as well as a handful of arias, lip-synced by the three stars and performed in actuality by Mafaldo Tavero and Ferrucio Tagliavini (both of whom are given prominent screen credit). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
