Opened: March 2, 1951

Directed by: Don Hartman

Starring: Lana Turner, Ezio Pinza, Marjorie Main, Barry Sullivan, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Ann Codee & Debbie Reynolds

Featuring one of the few film appearances of opera singer Ezio Pinza and a pre-Singin’ in the Rain Debbie Reynolds, Mr. Imperium is a forgetful musical romance from MGM.

American singer Frederica Brown (Lana Turner) is performing in Italy when Mr. Imperium (Pinza) uses a ruse to meet her. Revealing himself to be Prince Alexis, Mr. Imperium must rush home after a whirlwind romance when his father takes ill. Thinking he didn’t want her, Fredda goes back to America and becomes an actress whose life intertwines with Mr. Imperium years later.

There’s little chemistry between Turner and Pinza, so their romance is less than gripping. He plays his role very one-note, but you can tell Turner tries to turn on the charm. The musical numbers throughout don’t do much for the plot and aren’t memorable.

Final say: Opposite of imperium. ★☆☆☆☆