For the First Time

1959
Approved
1h 32m

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

374

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

7 Photos

Musical

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.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

374

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 nomination

Videos1

Trailer 2:12

Trailer

Photos7

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
For the First Time (1959) (German title: Serenade of a Great Love) is a 1959 musical film written by Andrew Solt and directed by Rudolph Maté. The film starred Mario Lanza, Johanna von Koczian, Kurt Kasznar, and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

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

User reviews20

Review

Featured review

10/10

A Mario Lanza Must See!

From the beautiful backdrop of Capri, to the enormous, passionate ringing voice of Mario Lanza, this is a must see movie for one and all.

Mario is in wonderful voice, and looks every bit the part of an opera singer hiding incognito. The scene where he sings "Come Prima ("For the First Time") is a showstopper, and you can almost feel the warm sunlight in your face and the salt air in your lungs as you listen to the one true voice known as Mario Lanza, singing to the swooning girls and admiring men. Don't miss this one!