Last week was a treasure for the eye;
And this week, a whirlwind for the ear.

Less demanding than Tra il grano e il cielo (the film portrait of Van Gogh), Maria by Callas tells the diva’s story in her own words, enough of them English to keep us well entertained.

Translation and subtitles also play a role, as the international jet-set moves effortlessly between French, Italian, and whatever the language that carries her voice into unknown territory.

And familiarity breeds comprehension, with cameos by enough celebrities to keep the pages of People filled to the brim. They break fast out of the Box Office gate, just like the thunderous downpour that struck us as we left Pegasus.