George London: Between Gods and Demons

Postwar bass-baritone vocalist George London - a collaborator with Renata Tebaldi, Maria Callas and others -- swept up numerous fans with his onstage charisma and a thoroughly unique sound. If his name doesn't immediately register, however, there is a reason: early in his life, he contracted a vocal chord disease that effectively put an end to his singing. This documentary portrait profiles London's life, times, and a career tragically cut short. It places a particularly strong thematic emphasis on the chanteur's diversity, as one equally effective with both classical pieces and pop tunes such as American spirituals. Interviewees include London's widow, Lora London, and many more recent performers who were musically influenced by the subject, such as Catherine Malfi Tano, Neil Shicoff, and Deborah Polaski.