Excellent video tape version of the Romberg-Hammerstein stage musical. Neither the 1930 film version nor the later 1940 MacDonald-Eddy MGM version is faithful to the original libretto. For the most part, this version is faithful. Romberg was a master melodist whose European leanings obscure his music for today's audiences. However, if you listen closely, Romberg is only one step behind Jerome Kern in using an "American" sound. His waltzes may reek of old Vienna, but his rhythm songs are nicely syncopated. "Lover Come Back to Me" and "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise" have been staples of jazz musicians for years. "One Kiss" and "Wanting You" are fine old ballads and the neglected "Marianne" has a Latin syncopated edge to it. The only number missing from the production is the bouncy "Try Her Out at Dances". This production is light and full of good humor.
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