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For the First Time

  • 1959
  • Approved
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
6.3/10
412
YOUR RATING
Mario Lanza and Johanna von Koczian in For the First Time (1959)
The brilliance of one of the world's most beloved tenors and the exciting world of opera highlight this delightful romantic adventure set in the most beautiful cities of Europe. Tonio Costa (Mario Lanza), the temperamental darling of the opera world, is forever missing performances because of impromptu street concerts and endless parties. But Tonio's carefree ways change when he falls in love with Christa, a beautiful deaf girl. Christa refuses to marry him until she can hear his sublime voice. So they embark upon a whirlwind concert tour of Europe where Christa consults with specialists while Tonio sings his heart out. Their love grows stronger and they realize that as long as they are together they can face whatever the future holds. Lush, exotic locations, fabulous operatic performances and the magic of Mario Lanza give this sparkling love story the look and sound of enchantment.
Play trailer2:12
1 Video
8 Photos
DramaMusicalRomance

An opera singer with a bad attitude falls in love with a deaf girl who changes his life.An opera singer with a bad attitude falls in love with a deaf girl who changes his life.An opera singer with a bad attitude falls in love with a deaf girl who changes his life.

  • Director
    • Rudolph Maté
  • Writer
    • Andrew Solt
  • Stars
    • Mario Lanza
    • Johanna von Koczian
    • Kurt Kasznar
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    6.3/10
    412
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Rudolph Maté
    • Writer
      • Andrew Solt
    • Stars
      • Mario Lanza
      • Johanna von Koczian
      • Kurt Kasznar
    • 22User reviews
    • 4Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination total

    Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:12
    Trailer

    Photos7

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    Top Cast17

    Mario Lanza
    Mario Lanza
    • Tonio Costa
    Johanna von Koczian
    Johanna von Koczian
    • Christa
    Kurt Kasznar
    Kurt Kasznar
    • Ladislas Tabory
    Hans Söhnker
    Hans Söhnker
    • Prof. Bruckner
    • (as Hans Sonker)
    Annie Rosar
    Annie Rosar
    • Mathilde Faktotum
    Sandro Giglio
    Sandro Giglio
    • Alessandro
    Walter Rilla
    Walter Rilla
    • Dr. Bessart
    Renzo Cesana
    Renzo Cesana
    • Angelo
    Peter Capell
    Peter Capell
    • Leopold Hübner
    Gisella Mathews
    Michael Cosmo
    • Aldo
    Carlo Rizzo
    John Stein
    John Stein
    Manfred Schäffer
    Zsa Zsa Gabor
    Zsa Zsa Gabor
    • Gloria De Vadnuz
    Manfred Inger
    • Servant at the Vienna State Opera
    • (uncredited)
    Nico
    Nico
    • Leader of Admirers in Capri
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Rudolph Maté
    • Writer
      • Andrew Solt
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews22

    6.3412
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    10

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965)
    Musical
    Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)
    Romance

    Storyline

    Did you know

    • Trivia
      The film was shot at the Spandau Studios in Berlin and on location in 1958 in Capri, Italy; Salzburg, Austria; Berlin, Germany; and at the Rome Opera House.
    • Quotes
      • Gloria De Vadnuz: Oh, shut up! Tonio Costa's a great singer, a fine gentlemen and one of my *most* intimate friends.
    • Connections
      Featured in Mario Lanza: The American Caruso (1983)
    • Soundtracks
      Wiener Blut (Vienna Blood)
      (uncredited)
      Music by Johann Strauss

    Top picks

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    Details

    • Release date
      • August 26, 1959 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Italy
      • West Germany
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Italian
    • Also known as
      • Serenada velike ljubavi
    • Filming locations
      • Austria
    • Production companies
      • Corona Filmproduktion
      • Orion Films
      • Titanus
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    • Runtime
      • 1h 32m(92 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • 4-Track Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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