I watched this movie for the first time today. I had heard the music and liked it, and my friends who have the movie kept telling me to watch it because, well it is a good movie, but also that I love Phantom of the Opera and it has a similar story. I love this type of movie, the Feature Films for Families people do such a good job, I love it how it is obviously not a big budget movie. It has such a good story, although the one thing I didn't like was how at the end they didn't recognize Ribaldi, even though it was so obvious, they should have made it that they were Pretending not to know each other but really did. Also the curse/legend could have been made more prominent because it was hard to understand. I loved the music, Ribaldis voice was surprisingly good!

I bought this movie for my family, on VHS tape, about 20 years ago. My children are all grown and gone, now, with families of their own. When I was updating my DVD collection, recently, Rigoletto was one of the few VHS tapes I replaced with a DVD. It is a great story with heart. Not corny or unbelievable, as some family movies are, now-a-days. The young lady in the starring role depicted character in the face of adversity that is unusual for our times. The characters were believable for Great Depression era people and their desperation became real for me. The scenery, buildings and even the vehicles were right on. I just watched again, after many years, and was so glad I decided to repurchase this movie.

No, this film is not incredibly well acted or rich in cinematic scope. It doesn't have to be. The premise is not original and the film is fairly predictable. And that's ok. Because what the film does deliver it delivers very well. Made for families, this film gently reminds the viewer of Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera....with moral lessons about discrimination, forgiveness and judgment shared along the way. Add to this a heartwarming soundtrack, and it makes for a very pleasurable and touching experience in front of the small screen.

When the mysterious and seldom seen Ribaldi comes to town, things begin to happen. Some good and some not. How will the town people address the changes in their community, who will be painted the villain, and whose lives will be indelibly changed? Take a chance and enjoy the serene magic of this quiet little film and share a few tears and smiles with your family. Quality time guaranteed.