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In the Shadow of the Stars

  • 19911991
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 33m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
178
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • IMDbPro
In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)
  • Documentary
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film is a hilarious and affectionate look at the path to stardom inside the competitive world of opera.Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film is a hilarious and affectionate look at the path to stardom inside the competitive world of opera.Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film is a hilarious and affectionate look at the path to stardom inside the competitive world of opera.
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
178
YOUR RATING
  • Directors
    • Allie Light
    • Irving Saraf
  • Star
    • William S. Jones(uncredited)
Top credits
  • Directors
    • Allie Light
    • Irving Saraf
  • Star
    • William S. Jones(uncredited)
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 4User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 1 win & 1 nomination total

    Photos

    In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)
    A Time for Burning (1967)
    In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)
    In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)

    Top cast

    Edit
    William S. Jones
    • Selfas Self
    • (uncredited)
    • Directors
      • Allie Light
      • Irving Saraf
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit
    This charming documentary focuses not on the opera divas, but on the cast of background singers that are essential to creating the grand spectacle of the San Francisco Opera. The background singers, or choristers, play all of the supernumerary soldiers, senators and peasants while providing musical support to the star singers who stand in the spotlight. The struggles, joys and jealousies of these background players are rendered in heartening detail as they seek to rise through the ranks. —Jwelch5742
    • independent film
    • Plot summary
    • Add synopsis
    • Genre
      • Documentary
    • Certificate
      • Not Rated
    • Parents guide
      • Add content advisory

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Connections
      Referenced in And the Oscar Goes to... (2014)
    • Soundtracks
      Excerpt: I Puritani
      By Vincenzo Bellini

    User reviews4

    Review
    Top review
    Nice Documentary If You're Interested in the Subject
    In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)

    ** 1/2 (out of 4)

    Oscar-winning documentary covering the performers who are often overlooked when people go to the opera. "In the shadow of the stars" is basically referring to the people performing their jobs, hoping for their big breaks while not getting that much attention in their current positions. There's no question that this is a pretty interesting documentary but I think the people are going to be most effected by it are those actual opera fans or those who are in the same position as the people here and can connect with them. I think the best thing that the film has going for it is that it actually makes you familiar with some of the lesser known people who work. I thought it was fascinating hearing from people who have been waiting years for their big break and we get to hear the daily drama that goes on. This could be rehearsals where they're not working out as well as they hoped or it could be in their personal lives where the stress is simply making things bad at home. Throughout the picture we're introduced to several people and all of them discuss their careers and lives. Some of the stories get repeated to the point where you feel as if you're hearing it over and over but for the most part the film keeps you drawn in and entertained. While I personally wouldn't have given it an Oscar, there's still no question that it will be enjoyed by those interested in the subject.
    helpful•0
    1
    • Michael_Elliott
    • May 17, 2012

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 17, 1991 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • W cieniu gwiazd
    • Filming locations
      • Costa Mesa, California, USA
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 33 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

    Related news

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