Living classics Hungarian composer Imre Kalman during his creative life wrote many famous operettas that instantly became classics of musical theater. One of the most striking gems of his work is the operetta "Marica" (full name - Countess Maritsa), which premiered in 1924. Like other operettas of Kalman, "Marica" combines memorable melodies with Hungarian national flavor and fascinating plot intrigue. The plot of the operetta was based on the love experiences of a rich young aristocrat and the manager of her estate, between which lies the abyss of social inequality. But since operetta, unlike opera, is an easy and entertaining genre, there is no doubt that the characters will be able to overcome all the obstacles and misunderstandings that arise in their way.
Surprisingly, the first screen version of Mariza was created in the era of silent cinema, just a year after the premiere of the operetta. In the future, several more film adaptations were filmed, including in the USSR. But one of the most famous remains the production of Rudolf Schundler in 1958. The filmmakers carefully preserved the immortal music of Kalman, but allowed themselves to change the characters and the course of events. Thanks to such adjustments, the film does not seem lengthy and heavy, as it could appear before the audience in the case of a literal transfer of the stage version to the screen. This version of Maritsa has everything that audiences can expect – beautiful costumes and scenery, talented actors with excellent voices, and, of course, classical musical numbers that have not lost their charm over the past century. The film is a must-see for all operetta lovers.
8 out of 10