Maytime

The first two MacDonald-Eddy movies were such big hits that MGM went all out for Maytime, their third musical. It remains one of their best and is often listed as a fan favorite. The film opens with a small town Mayday celebration complete with maypoles and children's choirs. We are introduced to "Miss Morrison" an elderly woman who lives quietly in the town and is the confidante of two young neighbors, Barbara Roberts and her boyfriend, Kip Stuart. Barbara tells her she has a chance to go to New York and become a big singing star, perhaps as big as Marcia Mornay had been. Later Kip tells her how much he loves Barbara and is afraid of losing her.When Barbara returns, Miss Morrison talks with her, revealing to her that she was, in fact, Marcia Mornay and this begins the recollection of her life as an unknown taken up by Nicolai Nazaroff who has made her a famous diva as the scene opens grandly on an incredibly opulent set with hundreds of extras:it's a ball at the court of Napoleon III and she is about to sing for the emperor and his guests. And sing she does as she goes into one of her most requested numbers," La Fille de Cadiz" by Delibes, and follows that up with a rousing "La Marseilles". By night's end she has not only triumphed at the ball but also said yes to Nicolai's proposal of marriage, though it seems more out of duty and respect than love. Then she meets young baritone Paul Allison (Nelson Eddy) and the rest of the film unfolds from there.There is wonderful singing, as one would expect from this pair. Originally Maytime had been a hit on Broadway in 1919. The entire operetta genre was supposed to be dead after the Twenties when single-handed, Mac/Eddy revived it all starting with Naughty Marietta in 1935. so for this film the original composer, Sigmund Romberg Threw out all the songs but "Do You Remember (Sweetheart)" which became the duo's great signature love song, and added new material including a medley of soprano arias for Jeanette from Lucia di Lammermoor, William Tell, Faust, Tannhauser and Tristan und Isolde. In addition he created an imaginary opera for them, "Czaritza", based on the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony which is fully staged as though it was the last act of this opera.Jeanette and Nelson are supported by an excellent group of actors including John Barrymore as Nicolai, and Herman Bing in a funny Mittel-European role as Paul's music instructor. Even minor roles are well and convincingly done. This film has everything a fan would want and is also a wonderful introduction to the MacDonald-Eddy films altogether.Miss Morrison's lesson for Barbara is that true love is a greater thing than even the greatest singing career as her own story has shown. The ending of the film is well-known but I wouldn't dare reveal it to you. Just be prepared to be deeply touched.

Along with "The Merry Widow" (1934), "Maytime" represent an era of operetta-style musical films that will never come again. It is a guilty pleasure that I have inflicted on others of a certain age with great success. Modern interpretations of the genre by Beverly Sills and Joan Sutherland lack an authenticity found in Maytime and the Merry Widow where the performers take their roles seriously, and not as old-fashioned jokes.

The case does not claim that it has been remastered but, to my eyes and ears it must have been since it premiered in 1937 and yet, the black and white image - hallelujah! - is clear and, the sound is wonderful through my Bose speakers. Having said that, it has the great Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. It really did not matter what they sang with their voices, their diction - in speech and song - , their charisma. They were charismatic separately but, together they were quite something. What studio could have afforded them, Romberg and, the great Don Cossack Chorus? MGM even paid the great Sigmund Romberg - born Siegmund Rosenberg to a Hungarian Jewish family - for one song: Sweetheart. MGM was also smart enough to respect original languages in musical numbers. It also gave credit to Tchaikovsky for the last production number. It is, ultimately, a sad story but, it also made me smile. It is a great love story. I played it for my best friend - who, despite not having a sentimental bone, is a sensitive man - . He said "José, you are right: this is a great film". He happens to be a musician, mind you. Hard to believe that Ms. MacDonald had hardly any vocal training at the time since everything is there: I have listened to opera from the cradle literally. On the other hand, Mr. Eddy had abandoned a successful operatic career for Hollywood. Go figure. Still, what moved me most was Ms MacDonald and Mr. Eddy's rendition of Carry me back to old Virginny; so much so that, I had to watch it again. Get the movie; you will not regret having done so.

This review is ONLY for the DVD-R quality of this product. Many have already written the description about what this film is in the VHS section. The quality of this film is very excellent in BOTH picture and sound. It is not perfect because there is minuscule flecking throughout which doesn't distract from the film and is really barely noticeable. In addition, the flecking doesn't last but disappears very quickly. The only reason I bring this issue up is because there are individuals like myself who are picky about quality. Also, in one scene there appears a black spot in the corner but disappears a second later. However, the picture is sharp and the sound is mono; the blacks and grays, and whites pop very beautifully. It DOES look like some remastering has been done to the film although it doesn't say so BUT maybe the issuing company is taking their customers' concerns to heart. Anyway, the sound is even so one doesn't have to adjust due to loudness or inaudibility. There aren't any obvious snaps, crackles, or pops; even if there are, perhaps they are very low. All in all, if anyone hesitates in upgrading from VHS tape to DVD-R I strongly recommend it. Of course, this DVD-R plays in "play only" devices and might not be suitable for all computers so please be sure that yours is compatible for DVD-Rs. Unfortunately, there is NO closed captioning for the hearing impaired or for those with limited English. The only extra is the trailer. Please remember to not hold out much hope that this DVD-R will ever find itself on regular DVD or Blu-Ray. Since these films are not deemed as big money sellers these are only burned on demand. Although I, personally, am not fond of this format, THIS is the best we will probably ever get.

A splendid transfer (although not restored) of a magical film from 1937 which will appeal to fans of both the leading players and lovers of romance. The direction, sets, and acting from the entire cast, are all splendid and the heartbreaking denouement is expertly managed. Yes - at 130 mts it will be long for some viewers and the extended operatic sequences may drag for others, but for this viewer it was two hours of absolute joy and a case study in how to direct a tear-jerker with consummate professionalism! It's almost 80 years old and my word it still packs an emotional punch. I viewed the Warner Archive copy - other versions may not be such good transfers, so purchase with care!

I have seen many viewings of this over the years but this is the best ever, The quality is very good considering the year it was made.Nice blacks in the picture and the sound is also excellent. Warner have done a good job.The story itself is good and of course the singing is delightful, It was made in an age when concert singing was all the rage and unfortunately for me it has all but died out. I think you have to be of that era to appreciate these films and the present generation I have spoken to think they are boring.But I believe there are still many fans.

Lovely film one of the best Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy picture.

A GREAT FILM

an old fashioned joy