Review of The Music Lovers

I saw this movie several times when it first came out. And tho it is a free fantasy on the the composers life, still there were some stirring scenes in it where Tchaikovsky's vehement dramatic music accompanies the narrative. well there is a lot thats brilliant about this errant film and is enjoyable in spite of its many foibles. those of us who have followed Tchaikovsky's life will see much in this film that is purely ridiculous. by the way Tchaikovsky did not take his own life. (i recommend poznansky's "the last days of Tchaikovsky" to put that canard to rest.) the fictionalized biography "beloved friend" on which this is based is not a reliable source. it also came out in the 1930's when so much about the man was still hidden. however this might be its a much better effort than "Tchaikovsky" the movie that came out the same year from Russia. indeed "the music lovers" is a cinematic masterpiece next to that offering. so those of us who are Tchaikovsky lovers still await a rendering that would do the subject justice. (the earlier effusion "song of my heart" 1947 was an even greater travesty.)