James M Caine¼s 1930's novel about an opera singer who loses his voice and his gay patron, moves to Mexico and falls for a prostitute boosts is given a Hollywood makeover in this romantic drama starring real-life opera star Mario Lanza. Wealthy, manipulative Joan Fontaine becomes the poisonous object of his affection, while the patron (here played by Vincent Price) looks on from the sidelines. Meanwhile, a bullfighter's daughter is added to the mix to help Damon find true love in a nest of vipers. This is a colourful, camp confection that would have been an all-time classic if the story had not strayed from it¼s homoerotic roots.

As Lanza's suave, silver-tongued patron and Fontaine's bantering buddy, Vincent chews the scenery through and through.