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I really loved this movie from the first time I saw it. I know most of the Nelson/Jeanette films are based on the same basic plot structure- but who cares? Fans of Nelson and Jeanette are here for the stars and the music- how it's presented is mostly secondary.

The only thing that irked me about this movie is Sheriff Rance's habit of calling Jeanette "Girl". Maybe he loved her in his own way, but the constant use of the word "girl" instead of her name made me feel as if he wanted to own her rather than accept her as his equal. Strange then that he gave up so easily in the end- But glad that he did! I also loved Buddy Ebsen as Alabama the Blacksmith- what a sweet character!

Just a perfectly charming film that reveals its wonderful qualities more and more with repeated viewings. Jeanette really pulls it off as a "western gal" and her singing is, as usual, superb. "Shadows on the Moon" and "The Wind in the Trees" are just two highlights of many for me. A very lovely, fun and special film.

Closer to Belasco's play than to Puccini's opera(though there are elements of it), The Girl of the Golden West is not going to get awards for originality- though actually still one of the better stories of the Nelson Eddy/Jeanette MacDonald collaborations- and Nelson Eddy's Ramirez accent is very unconvincing. The Girl of the Golden West even with those flaws taken into account is still really good fun, and one of the better Eddy-MacDonald collaborations. The two stars are fine, MacDonald is the much better actress and does sassy, beautiful and charming wonderfully, but Eddy is a likable partner. Both are in fine voice too, especially Eddy who even when his acting is not up to par always captivates by the strength and beauty of his voice. MacDonald sounds great too, and blends very nicely with Eddy. Walter Pidgeon is handsome and authoritative, managing some menace as well as a sympathetic side as Rance. Buddy Ebsen is very sweet and funny, and comes close sometimes to stealing the film. The Girl of the Golden West looks good, it's photographed with care and the Old West sets are evoked really beautifully and convincingly. The songs and score are rich in orchestration and carry the film very well, the best of them Who are We to Say, Mariache, Shadows on the Moon and Winds in the Trees are wonderful. The dialogue is true to the period the film is set in and has moments of great wit. The story is told briskly and with great charm, the romantic elements are appropriately tender and you are convinced by Eddy and MacDonald as lovers. The characters are not original either but are still interesting, especially Mary and Rance. The ending is true in spirit to that of Puccini's opera, it may be very Hollywood-ish and unbelievable- with Rance giving up so easily- to some, but it was nice to see a somewhat different side to Rance in this scene. Overall, very easy to like and does a great job charming and entertaining. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy star in this musical western with more than a little comic charm and zip. Although there are no

"hits" in this musical, the songs are great and MacDonald gets to sing one of the best "Ave Marias" you'll ever hear. She also turns in one of her best comic performances as the "girl" who is rough hewn and runs a saloon in a gold mining town. A little long, but still one of the duo's best and most underrated films. Walter Pidgeon, Buddy Ebsen, Cliff Edwards, H.B. Warner, Priscilla Lawson, and Noah Beery are notable. The "Mariachi" number is nice as are a few of the songs. It amazes me that Jeanette MacDonald is so underrated as an actress. She not only has a fabulous voice, she could hold her own against any leading man and was also a charming comedienne, and she is splendid in this film.

Wonderful movie. Upbeat, with great singing(Of course).

Every time I watch this movie I have the same reaction. Too idealistic for our tastes today; yet as a showcase for Eddy & MacDonald, with some fun thrown in, it is great.

Like Zane Grey westerns, the characters are rather stylized and two-dimensional. However, again like Zane Grey characters, they tend to demonstrate qualities that we wish were reality.

What a supporting cast.

Walter Pidgeon - very believable as the strong, fiercely passionate sheriff with his own strict code of ethics.

Buddy Ebsen, Leo Carrillo, Monty Woolley, H.B.Warner.

I have been surprised over the years how some men, that are rough and rather crude with each other, will display real protectiveness and gentleness in other areas. Therefore, the behaviour shown by the miners toward 'Girl', adopted as kind of a 'mascot' is credible and necessary for us to accept her sweetness.

Suspend your cynicism, enjoy the fine music and a glimpse into a simpler time!