The tale of Manrico, the troubador, and his misfortunes, is a gloomy and distressing one--especially distressing to the person who tries to untangle a plot full of bloody revenge, gypsy law, witch-burning and baby-switching. Carmine Gallone, director of this first screen version of "II Trovatore," has tried hard to make the plot understandable and has succeeded, by using English narration and subtitles. Gallone has also kept the singing on a high level. In the final account, however, this filming of "II Trovatore" cannot boast of much more than a clear plot and good voices.

The acting in the film is of the cloak-twirling variety that has been the plague of grand opera for many, many years. All the principals are completely versed in this type of playing. Apparently Gallone had no choice but to fall back on sword-shaking, considering the basic absurdity of the plot.

In the part of the gypsy minstrel, Manrico, Gino Sinimberghi has a warm and clear tenor. Azucena, Manrico's mother, is sung with intensity and dramatic power by Gianna Pederzini. Supporting singers Enzo Mascherni and Vittorina Colonnello also have fine, well-controlled voices. The orchestra and chorus of the Rome Opera House completes the first-rate group of artists which makes "II Trovatore" at least a musical success.

Director Gallone must be credited with a good attempt to bring grand opera to the screen. Unfortunately, "II Trovatore" has none of the sensitivity and beauty of his film version of "La Traviata" ("The Lost One") last year. The basic fault lies with the story itself, which is too baldly melodramatic to be a good screen play.