‘The Toast of New Orleans’ From 1950: Bayou to Basin Street

Mario Lanza, an operatic tenor of the mid-20th century, entertains movie audiences in this musical delight.

(L–R) Tina (Rita Moreno), Suzette Micheline (Kathryn Grayson), and Pepe Duvalle (Mario Lanza), in “The Toast of New Orleans.” MovieStillsDB

NR | 1 hr 37 min | Romance, Musical | 1950

Mario Lanza was one of the most famous singers of the mid-20th century. This Italian American tenor was lauded as “The Service Caruso” and “voice of the century.” Many people were introduced to classical singing through Lanza’s recordings, some even being inspired to become singers themselves.