The Great Victor Herbert (1939)

The real life story of The Great Victor Herbert, the famous composer who helped create the American operetta, would make for a very interesting film. Herbert was a bit of a character, as they say: a definite ladies' man and someone with strong political views. Viewers will get none of this from Herbert, a typically lackluster Hollywoodization that bears no real resemblance to the historical figure's life. Indeed, Herbert is not even the star. The character is an important but supporting part, buttressing the clichéd story of an operetta star and the woman he loves whose own career becomes an obstacle to their happiness. It's a trite story told in a ham-fisted way -- but it does afford the opportunity for more than two dozen of Herbert's glorious melodies. Modern audiences may shy away from the overt romanticism of the songs, especially with their too-often stiff lyrics, but those who can appreciate the glorious outpouring of music will be in heaven whenever Allan Jones, Mary Martin or a marvelously young Susanna Foster raise their voices in song. All three sound absolutely magnificent and give the music its due. Jones and Martin do their best with the tedious script, but there's only so much they can do. As Herbert, Walter Connolly is adequate; again, there's not a lot to be done with this material. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide