Summary

Continued from R:3149. Part three of three. One in this series of performances by the Metropolitan Opera. In this program, the Metropolitan Opera performs Donizetti's "La Fille du Regiment," in French. Act II opens in a sumptuous salon in the Marquise's chateau. The Marquise enters, congratulating herself on the splendid match she has made for Marie with the Duke of Crakentorp. She sends for the soldier Sulpice to help persuade Marie to cooperate with the arrangement. A comical session follows, in which Sulpice prompts Marie to break into regimental song during a voice lesson with the Marquise. Tonio arrives at the chateau and pleads with the Marquise to allow him to marry Marie. After refusing his request, the Marquise orders him out of the room and reveals to Sulpice that Marie is not her niece, but her daughter -- a fact that she has concealed for years for the sake of her good name. Sulpice tells Marie, who now agrees to sign the marriage contract to abide by her newfound mother's wishes. Tonio rushes back with the entire regiment, ready to rescue Marie from her fate, and reveals the truth about her rough upbringing with the regiment, which she proudly substantiates. The guests are charmed by her story and the Marquise relents and allows Marie to marry Tonio, her true love. Sponsored by Texaco.

(Network affiliation varies; as above, 1960 to the present; NBC, 1931-1943; Blue Network, 1943-1945; ABC, 1945-1958; CBS, 1958-1960.)