La fanciulla del West (1982)

La fanciulla del West – Italian title

To hryso koritsi tis Dysis – Greek title

A 1982 British television production [British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Covent Garden

Video Productions (London)]

Producer: Piero Faggioni

Director: John Vernon

Story: David Belasco

Screenplay: Guelfo Civinini, Carlo Zarigarini (Carlo Zangarini)

Cinematography: [color]

Music: Giacomo Puccini

Running time: 139 minutes

Cast:

Dick Johnson – Plácido Domingo

Minnie – Carol Neblett

Jack Rance – Silvano Carroli

Nick – Francis Egerton

Ashby – Robert Lloyd

Jack Wallace – Gwynne Howell

Sonora – John Rawnsley

Trini – John Dobson

Bello – Tom McDonnell

Happy – Ian Caddy

Joe – Robin Leggate

Larkens – Roderick Earle

Harry – Paul Crook

Sid – Norman Welsby

Billy Jackrabbit – Paul Hudson

Wowkle – Jean Bailey

José Castro – Joh n Gibbs

Pony Express Rider – Handel Owen

This 1982 production of "La fanciulla del West" is a bit of a mixed bag, an old-fashioned, no frills production, conducted and directed moderately well. Neblett, singing a signature role, is a bit melodramatic at times, and hits some of her high notes by force of sheer will. Although not particularly pretty sound. Domingo, on the other hand, is magnificent. Dashing in appearance, passionate and sexy, he sings gloriously throughout. That said, I'm enjoying it very much, and can see myself happily pulling it out whenever I need a comforting Puccini/Domingo fix. This is a favorite opera of mine, and I'm not at all unhappy with the purchase. ~ David Cady

YouTube Film Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qewBuVvSR