Mr. Imperium (1951)
“A prince, a singer, and a love that wouldn't wait.”
Streamed free from the Internet Archive · no signup, no cost — this film is in the public domain.
Synopsis
This lavish MGM Technicolor romance pairs Lana Turner with Metropolitan Opera star Ezio Pinza, fresh from his Broadway triumph in South Pacific. Pinza plays a prince who romances Turner's singer in Italy before royal obligation parts them; years later she has become a movie star and he, now a king, slips away to find her again. A young Debbie Reynolds appears in support.
Cast
About the Director
Don Hartman — Don Hartman, an accomplished screenwriter who would soon run Paramount's production slate, frames the film as a glossy showcase for Pinza's operatic voice and Turner's Technicolor star power.
Why It’s Free: The Public-Domain Story
Public domain by copyright non-renewal. MGM did not renew its copyright in the 28th year; the film carried a 1950 notice and entered the public domain in 1978 (Wikipedia's list of US public-domain films).
Behind the Scenes
Produced and released by MGM in 1951, it was an attempt to turn opera bass Ezio Pinza into a screen leading man following his South Pacific stardom. The experiment underperformed, and the copyright was allowed to lapse.
Did You Know?
- Ezio Pinza was a star bass at the Metropolitan Opera before his late-career Broadway and film success.
- A young Debbie Reynolds appears in an early supporting role.
- The film was shot in three-strip Technicolor, showcasing Lana Turner at peak MGM glamour.
Reception & Legacy
The picture was a box-office disappointment and reviews were tepid, but it survives as a colorful vehicle for Turner and MGM's effort to launch Pinza as a romantic lead.
Stage Door Canteen
Swing High, Swing Low
Pot o' Gold
Till the Clouds Roll By