Bella Donna

This film of a glitzy showbiz world by director Peter Keglevic in his first feature-length effort recounts the saga of a married torch singer whose numerous lovers are meant to steady her nerves and a saxophone player who loves her but cannot get his own act together. Singing and cinematography are pluses.

Directed by Peter Keglevic, Bella Donna leans on a strong ensemble — Friedrich Karl Praetorius, Krystyna Janda, Erland Josephson — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1983.