Lawrence Tibbett - 1935 On the Road to Mandalay

[baghend]

Wonderful. As Kipling wrote it. back in the day when there was an Empire worthy of the name.

And the worst thing the Brits ever did to those colonies-esp. in Africa- was to leave.

It may have been government with Enfields and bayonets to back it up, but most of those people were far better off under the British Empire than their own corrupt and violent tribal fanatics.

And I'm not a Brit.

Thanks for this- wonderfully done- one of my favourites, that I bellow out many times-

-Bill Canada

[varadero1839]

@baghend Thanks so much for your notice! He really had a magical voice. A dear friend, now gone, once performed this at a party. He had an amazing voice and also only had a piano backup. It was a memorable evening! Great to hear from you, and again I'm delighted that you enjoyed this as you did! Best regards.

[busybee1952]

My grandpa used to sing this song on road trips.To me, he sounded just like Lawrence Tibbett, but then I was only little. In fact, it's really all I remember about him so I'm glad this is posted.

[hackwhiteful]

Can anyone tell me what movie this clip came from. I would like to watch the movie.

[varadero1839]

@hackwhiteful This is from "Metropolitan," the year 1935. It starred Mr. Tibbett, Virginia Bruce, Alice Brady and Cesar Romero. It was very well received, and apparently the 1st production by Daryl F. Zanuck for Twentieth Century Fox. It opened at Radio City Music Hall!

[zag001a]

I only knew this song for the past 50 years from a Frank Sinatra album: "Come Fly With Me". I had no idea it was from Kipling or ever heard this powerful version! Thank you. The movie was just on TCM.

[varadero1839]

@zag001a Though not a "matinee idol type," Mr. Tibbett had a sensational voice. I'm grateful to hear from you, and also that you enjoyed this clip. He was a winner!

[zag001a]

I only knew this song for the past 50 years from a Frank Sinatra album: "Come Fly With Me". I had no idea it was from Kipling or ever heard this powerful version! Thank you.

[lastofdmelocchians]

Definitely MY favorite Baritone of all time!!! Who can come close 2 him? No 1:)

[varadero1839]

@lastofdmelocchians Many Thanks! Originally from Shakespeare, I prefer the Humphrey Bogart line from "The Maltese Falcon." There he describes a supposed treasure, but here it holds true for Mr. Tibbett: "The Stuff that dreams are made of!"

[Agorante]

You can see the whole film if you have NetFlix. It's available on Watch Instantly - no need to send away for a DVD.

[hashatz]

Tibbett is the best baritone among American baritones - bar none!

[GrenvilleT]

This is the most wonderful piece. Introduced with light comedy, darkened with a dying father's desire, charged with the power of a superb dramatic singer.

God bless Mr Tibbett; god bless us all.

[meltzerboy]

Tibbett has the better voice and overall is the greater singer, but for this song I prefer the exceptional performance by Fraser Gange on YT.

[Kievest]

I love the seeming naturalness in that

rich voice and the unaffected and honest

acting. That black core and ringing top

send me over the moon!!! If I hear one more word about how Dimitry H. is one

of the greatest baritones ever,...Just

listen and compare. Tibbett is the

Master and Commander, D.H. looks

like a teapot boiling over. Thank you.

[mrm4xim4m]

very well put, and very true indeed. WELL SAID!

[re6356]

I agree, very well stated.

[796824]

Agreed

[operalament]

you think there is a baritone today who would attempt this or the glory road in performance. i dont.

[goddesssuz]

What a treasure! This man 's robust, joyful rendition is the one taught by our charismatic teacher Phil Sheridan in a junior high class in the mid-fifties in Ann Arbor, MI. I have such fond memories of singing this poem - and now recapturing the vibrant words and images. Thanks for sharing it.

[saiserieht]

Such a slim neck and such a big voice hehe

[TieferBass]

Thank you, Decotodd, for your kind information on where to seek this great old movie.

[sebreathnach]

Fabulous! Thank you for this unique version... and Come ye back to Mandalaye.....

[re6356]

An incredible singer, such power and an amazing range. I would certainly endorse any suggestions that he is among the elite baritones. What a pity he did`nt have the luxury of todays recording equipment, imagine how he would sound.

[mrm4xim4m]

wow yeah imagine that :O well we still have him at least :)

[TieferBass]

This magnificent piece came from the wonderful old movie "Metropolitan." Anyone not having the opportunity seeing this man live, this movie might be the only chance to luxuriate in Mr. Tibbett's myriad of talents. Such charm and superb acting to complement his singing. Thanks for this wonderful posting. Now to get TCM to show this great old movie.

[decotodd]

Keep an eye on Fox Movie Channel listings -- it shows up regularly there. TCM doesn't have rights to Fox films without specific license to individual titles.

[Belcore14]

Amazing... so in control of his voice, his interpretation...

He's my hero, my idol.

[stephenTGV]

Possibly the greatest barytone that ever lived, with an incredibly beautiful voice, and range. A precious video. As always, thank you very much.

[varadero1839]

You're very welcome! Mr. Tibbett was truly amazing; we're fortunate to have known him.

[hackwhiteful]

@varadero1839

Can you tell me what movie this video comes from? I would like to see the movie. This was a wonderful clip. My piano teacher made all of her students memorize this piece because it was the favorite song of her beau who died in WWI.

[hackwhiteful]

@varadero1839

Can you tell me what movie this clip came from. I would like to see the movie.