Films

The Merry Widow (MGM 1952)

Lana and Fernando Lamas in 1952's "The Merry Widow". Lou Valentino Collection.

Production Dates: September 12, 1951-Early December, 1951

Release Date: September 5, 1952.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Lana Turner, Fernando Lamas, Una Merkel, Richard Haydn.

Directed by: Curtis Bernhardt

Writing Credits: Victor Leon, Leo Stein, Sonya Levien and William Ludwig

Produced by: Joe Pasternak

Non-Original Music by: Franz Lehar

Cinematography by: Robert Surtees

Synopsis: When Crystal Radek ("The Merry Widow") travels to the fictional land of Marshovia for the the unveiling of a statue dedicated to her late husband, she gets more than she bargained for.

My Review: To say that this film is beautifully put together is a gross understatement. The sets, the costumes and Lana herself are all breathtaking and it's a good thing because the film doesn't start picking up steam until forty-five minutes into it, when Lana and costar Fernando Lamas have their first scene together. Lamas, although a passable singer, doesn't seem to know what the hell is going on most of the time and most of the time he has a look of confusion on his face. He is charismatic enough, but it's clear that when Turner and Lamas are playing off of one another, it's Lana who's the one with the acting chops. He DOES, however, look great in his brightly colored costumes and is beautiful to look at.

But I've got to stop being mean. Beautifully choreographed and photographed (if only for the scene where Turner and Lamas do a lengthy waltz) just by looks alone, this one will leave you speechless and make you wonder why they just can't seem to make them like this anymore. Kudos also to actress Una Merkel who gives great support as Crystal's "right hand woman".

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

Highlights and Trivia

*This film was nominated for two Oscars in the color division- for best art direction/set decoration and best costume design.

*Viewers will notice that Lana wears large bracelets and elbow length gloves throughout the film. They are there to cover up scars on her wrists that she had received during a failed suicide attempt a short time before.

 

Purchase The Merry Widow:

VHS

 

Photo Gallery

Lana in "The Merry Widow", 1952. Lou Valentino Collection.    Fernando Lamas lets Lana in on a little secret in 1952's "The Merry Widow".    Lana and Fernando Lamas toasting the release of their film "The Merry Widow" in 1952.    Lana and Fernando Lamas in "The Merry Widow" (1952).    Lana sports some serious attitude-and a hat to match in 1952's "The Merry Widow". Lou Valentino Collection    Una Merkel, Lana and director Curtis Bernhardt on the set of "The Merry Widow" in 1952.    Lana aren't you cold? Lana reads the newspaper while producer Joe Pasternak looks on on the set of "The Merry Widow" in 1952.    A lobby card from 1952's "The Merry Widow".   

A lobby card from 1952's "The Merry Widow".    A lobby card from 1952's "The Merry Widow".    If looks could kill, Lana's costars would be dead in 1952's "The Merry Widow".    Lana showing off her lovely gams behind the scenes of "The Merry Widow" in 1952.    Lana takes some time out for a bath in 1952's "The Merry Widow".    Lana and Fernando Lamas pose for the cameras during filming of "The Merry Widow" in 1952.    Fernando Lamas makes advances toward Lana in 1952's "The Merry Widow".

Ooh! Lana and Fernando get hot and heavy in a scene from "The Merry Widow" in 1952.

 

 

 

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