The Toast of New Orleans
Lanza in The Toast of New Orleans
The Toast of New Orleans is a 1950 film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Mario Lanza, Kathryn Grayson, David Niven, and Rita Moreno. The film was made in the wake of That Midnight Kiss, Lanza's successful film debut, as an opportunity for Lanza to sing on the big screen again.
The plot revolves around Pepe Abellard Duvalle, a New Orleans fisherman, who falls in love with opera star, soprano Suzette Micheline Grayson. It culminates with Michelin's manager, played by Niven, hearing Duvalle sing and offering him a position.
In addition to arias from Carmen, Madame Butterfly, and La Traviata, the film includes the song "Be My Love," which was nominated for an Academy Award.