Gian Carlo Menotti was one of the most important 20th-century composers of opera working in the United States. The Old Maid and the Thief and The Medium are brilliant studio recordings from the early years of television. The two operas depict everyday stories about personal relationships and crime in America during the first half of 20th century. The performances are given by a first-rate cast, including Elisabeth Höngen, Eberhard Waechter and Olive Moorefield. The Orchestra of the Wiener Volksoper is conducted by Wolfgang Rennert (The Old Man and the Thief) and Armando Alberti (The Medium). An important document of operatic and film history, this restored recording is available on DVD for the first time.