THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (Straus) Risë Stevens, Eddie Albert (DVD)

Opera legend and film star Risë Stevens leads a magnificent cast in this 1955 television production, produced and directed by Max Liebman. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man,” The Chocolate Soldier is one of the most popular operettas of all time; on Broadway alone, it received seven productions over a period of 40 years. Stevens is partnered by the delightful musical comedy star Eddie Albert, and the cast also features the beloved baritone Earl Wrightson and the popular character actor Akim Tamiroff. Interestingly, Risë Stevens made her Hollywood debut in a 1941 film version of The Chocolate Soldier that employed much of Straus’ score, but followed a completely different storyline. Liebman’s television production restores the original plot and characters, and faithfully conveys the romance and good humor of the Viennese operetta tradition.
B&W, 77 minutes, 4:3, All regions

THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER
Music by Oscar Straus
Original Book & Lyrics by Rudolf Bernauer and Leopold Jacobson
American Version by Stanislaus Stange

Nadina: Risë Stevens
Lt. Bumerli: Eddie Albert
Major Alexius: Earl Wrightson
Mayor Ludek: Akim Tamiroff
Mascha: Joan Chambers
Gen. Massakroff: George Ebeling
Gen. Kirovitch: Will Scholtz
Dancers: Bambi Linn & Rod Alexander
Lt. Kasimir: Clyde Sechler
First Officer: Ray Drakeley
Second Officer: Craig Timberlake
Lieutenant (in Ballet): Swen Swenson

Charles Sanford, conductor
Produced and Directed by Max Liebman
Dances and musical numbers staged by Rod Alexander

Live Telecast, June 4, 1955