Inducted a month after debut, Mario was soon spotted by comic Peter Lind Hayes, who wangled him role in an Army show. In chorus of Winged Victory, he went west for film version; met chum Bert Hicks' sister Betty - and married her on April 13, 1945, in Beverly Hills. | 
Back in Civies, Mario found a patron: realtor Sam Weiler. Betty at his side, four generations of in-laws around him, Lanza scored at Chicago concert in '46. The Chicago Tribune saluted return next year. |
Turning point in Lanza career was Hollywood Bowl concert in 1947. Roaming grounds with Betty, getting thrill from billing. Mario was still almost unknown; Bowl seats, only one-quarter sold. | 
But after party preview arranged by Art Rush, Roy Rogers' manager, tickets sold out. Getting congrats backstage with Frances Yeend, Mario had two visitors. Jesse Lasky, who owned rights to Caruso story, lost race to L. B. Mayer; MGM got Lanza. |
