Regional Modernism -- The Southern California home of Lauritz Melchior, Metropolitan Opera star and M.G.M actor who makes his screen bow in "Thrill of a Romance" is described by the architect, Frederick Monhoff, as a example of "regional modernism." Designed to take full advantage of the 150-mile view from its 1850-foot elevation, the house is situated on Mulholland Dr., overlooking San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and the ocean. It's no gag that, on a clear day, the Mclchiors can see Catalinal.Two walls of the living room are glass, so that it is possible to stand by the swimming pool and look through the glass enclosed patio into the living room and beyond to the Sierra Nevades, which, in winter, are snow capped. March 13, 1952.