Melba (film)

Melba is a 1953 musical biopic drama film of the life of Australianborn soprano Nellie Melba, written by Harry Kurnitz and directed by Lewis Milestone for Horizon Pictures, marking the film debut of the Metropolitan Operas Patrice Munsel.

In January 1952, upon completion of the Melba story treatment by Harry Kurnitz, producer Sam Spiegel and his attorney flew to London with the script inhand to acquire film rights for her story from Melbas estate. In May 1952, Spiegel reported that the film was to be shot on locations in Australia and Britain with Patrice Munsel cast as Nellie Melba.Upon release of the information, representatives of the J. Arthur Rank organization expressed surprise, as they had themselves been planning a film about Melba. They had hoped to get Marjorie Lawrence for their own film and, when unable to do so, had even considered using actual recordings Melbas voice dubbed over that of an actress. They decided to put their plans on hold until they could find a suitable singeractress for the lead role. ........

Source: Wikipedia