The Great Walz is a classic "Hollywoodization" bio-pic, one which hardly pretends to be accurate, but which uses the life story of an historical character as a basis for atmosphere and entertainment. In this case the subject is "The Walz King" Johann Strauss II, who was responsible for the craze for the dance that conquered Vienna and much of Europe in the mid 19th century. Made by veteran director Julien Duvivier, who made umpteen films during his long career, most of them forgotten today except for the classic Pepe le Moko, The Great Walz is endearingly filled filled with schmaltz and cliché, and features the absolutely incredible soprano vocals of Miliza Korjus (she was Oscar nominated for best supporting actress.). All in all, an enjoyable light entertainment. I saw this in the Turner Entertainment standard DVD which was of acceptable quality.
Review of The Great Waltz
