The Melody Lingers On (1935)

American opera baritone George Houston, who later gained a measure of fame as a western hero, made his film debut in The Melody Lingers On. Houston plays Salvini, a dashing Italian army captain who enjoys a brief romantic fling with concert pianist Ann Prescott (Josephine Hutchinson). Their dalliance results in an illegitimate baby -- and, by extension, brings about Salvini's death when he saves the lives of Ann and the child. Raised by foster parents, Ann's son Guido (Dave Scott) grows up to become a talented musician, never suspecting that his gifts have been inherited; meanwhile, Guido's mother does penance for past sins in an Italian convent. A ruthless assault on the tear-ducts, The Melody Lingers On was adapted from a novel by Lowell Bretano.