More swordfights in opera, please!

On Gaetano Donizetti’s 225th birthday, here’s Mario Filippeschi as Edgardo in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” taking on multiple opponents with ease. He even pushes over a candelabra.

It all starts with “Chi mi frena”:

The film adaptation was made in 1946. On this particular print (likely transferred from video), the soundtrack is a little out of alignment. A minor distraction. Why is it not available on DVD?

Put this guy in a room with Errol Flynn and Stewart Granger!

Here’s the complete film, a little darker, but not as fuzzy. The clip above starts around 1 hour and 1 minute in.

There are no subtitles, unfortunately. But isn’t it about time you brushed up on your Italian, anyway?

Buon compleanno, Donizetti!