1.
GV. EXT.. Cars arriving.
0.05

2.
SV PAN.. Onlookers.
0.07

3.
CU PAN DOWN.. Theatre poster with 'Sold Out' sign.
0.11

4.
GV INT.. People arriving in vestibule.
0.15

5.
SV Ditto.
0.17

6.
SV Hon. Tupini and opera Director Ghiringhelli.
0.22

7.
GV Crowd in vestibule.
0.26

8.
SV Fashionable ladies towards camera.
0.29

9.
SCU Signora Gronchi, wife of Italian President, arrives with gentleman.
0.34

10.
CU Carabiniere.
0.37

11.
SV PAN DOWN.. Fashionable ladies.
0.40

12.
SV Fashionable ladies towards camera.
0.43

13.
CU Mario Del Monaco in dressing room.
0.46

14.
SCU Tito Gobbi in dressing room.
0.50

15.
GV The Begum Khan seated with her father, and talking to the Marquis of Castelbarco.
0.55

16.
CU Of the Begum.
0.58

17.
LV PAN UP INT.. Of crowded theatre.
1.03

18.
SV Cast on the stage at end of act.
1.06

19.
LV PAN UP.. Theatre audience applauding.
1.10

20.
SV Of people in box applauding.
1.12

21.
SV Cast on stage taking bow.
1.17

22.
LV PAN DOWN INT.. Of theatre.
1.21



Initials BA/S/AHS/CW/AS



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The opening of the new season at the famous La Scala Opera House in Milan, Dec. 8, was-as usual - a glittering social occasion. presiding over the scene was the Director of the La Scala Opera, Signor Ghiringhelli, and among the many distinguished guests was the wife of Italy's President, Signora Carla Gronchi (and - wearing a magnificent array of jewellery - the Begum, widow of the Aga Khan).

By tradition, the season opens on the Feast of St. Ambrose, the city's patron saint, and once again Verdi's "Otello" was chosen for the opening performance. The title role was sung by Mario del Monaco, 'Desdemona' by Leonie Rysaneck and 'Iago' by Tito Gobbi.