The Great Waltz

“The Great Waltz” is an old American film about the life and music career of Strauss. The director of the film is Duvivier. This film-maker is the author of many commercial films. They say that among his films there are many original productions. “The Great Waltz” is one of his popular films.

The action takes place during the bourgeois revolution of 1848 in Vienna. In the opening scenes we see young Straus at the beginning of his career. He works as a clerk at a bank and writes waltzes instead of financial documents during his working day. He dreams to become a musician. Suddenly his chief learns about it and Strauss loses his job at the bank but he is not sorry about it all. He is even glad, because he still hopes to be a success as a musician. He decides to become a professional composer and conductor. Soon he organizes his own little orchestra of amateur musicians. His orchestra plays his waltzes and performs at restaurants and in parks. Little by little his waltzes become very popular not only among simple people but also in the palaces. There is a love-story in the film too. At the beginning of his music career Strauss marries a lovely girl Poldy. She becomes his wife, and his real friend. She believes in his talent and tries to help him. But when Strauss becomes a popular composer, he meets a brilliant opera-singer Carla Donner. They fall in love with each other.

Fernand Gravet as Strauss gives a vivid portrayal of a modest and promising musician. M. Corius as the opera-singer is very attractive, her voice is strong and full of charm. As usual Duvivier uses excellent actors. I think it is an excellent film.

Task 8.Ответьте на вопросы по содержанию текста:

1. What is the name of American film about Strauss?

2. Where does the action of the film take place?

3. What was Strauss at the beginning of his career?

4. What does Strauss organize?

5. What music does this orchestra play?

6. Is there a love-story in the film?

7. Who plays the role of Strauss?

8. Did you see this film?

Контрольная работа № 2

Task 1. Вставьте подходящие модальные глаголы (must, may, can, need, to have to, to be able to). Переведите предложения.

1.You ... not come to help them tomorrow: the work is done. 2. You ... not change the whole text as the beginning is all right. You ... only rewrite the second part of it. 3. ... you help me now? — I am afraid hot: I aril in a great hurry. I shall be free in the evening. Come to my place at about eight, and I ... help you. 4, John ... not tell us the rules of the game: we know them. 5. ... I return the book to you on Friday? I am afraid I ... not finish it before.— No, that is too late. You ... bring it to me not later than Wednesday. 6. It is already six o'clock. We ... hurry if we don't want to be late. 7. ... you trans­late this text into English? — I think I ... 8. They spent all the morning on the river bank. Only Ann ... return home as she ... not stay in the sun for such a long time. 9. How do you feel when you ... take a test? — I'm always a little frightened and unhap­py. 10. She ... decorate a room nicely. 11. We ... not afford to pay the bill. 12. He's got a lung problem and he ... go to hospital every two weeks. 13... Ann ... not go to his birthday party yesterday because she ... go to the dentist.

Task 2. Переведите текст и ответьте на вопросы .