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The Medium

1951, Movie, NR, 84 mins

The Medium: Review

This is the film version of the Gian-Carlo Menotti opera, which he himself directed. Powers is a medium who fakes supernatural effects with the help of the young Alberghetti (in her first role) and the mute Coleman, who manipulate the surroundings from behind curtains. During one seance, Powers feels a hand clutching her throat. She accuses her customers, but then convinces herself that Coleman did it. Though she believes it may have been a supernatural power punishing her, she still takes her anger out on the boy. He is thrown out of the house during a downpour, but sneaks back in to visit Alberghetti, whom he loves. Powers sees something moving behind a curtain and asks who is there. She gets no response, and, not realizing it is Coleman, fires a gun, killing the boy. The music is top-notch, and the special effects and camerawork nicely illustrate the libretto, which is sung in English. Oscar nominated for Best Score. leave a comment