La Cieca is sure that her cher public will not want to miss Sunday morning’s (4:30 AM) screening of the camp classic Yes, Giorgio. This 1982 crossover attempt by Luciano Pavarotti (from tenor to matinee idol) must have sounded like a good idea at the time, but, fortunately for music lovers, the film flopped mightily, sending the Pav back to the opera house where he so magnificently belonged.
Curiously, this cinematic tacchino is featured as part of Turner Classic Movies’ “31 Days of Oscar” festival. In point of fact, the picture was nominated for a 1983 Academy Award in the category of Best Music, Original Song: John Williams (music), Alan Bergman (lyrics) and Marilyn Bergman (lyrics) for the song “Eef We Ware Een Loave”.
Pavarotti also received two nominations, though unfortunately they were for the “Golden Raspberry” or Razzie Award in the categories of “Worst Actor” and “Worst New Star.” The Pav was up against some very stiff competition that year, eventually losing out to Laurence Olivier and Pia Zadora, respectively.
Diva fanciers will recall that the young Leona Mitchell shows up late in the film as “herself,” appearing opposite Pavarotti’s character in an ill-fated San Francisco production of Turandot.
Yes, Giorgio enjoys this rare revival one time only on TCM, so be sure to set your Tivo (to “stun”).
