Maytime

Because there was nothing suitable in the opera repertoire for a baritone and a soprano to sing together! And Romberg's music wasn't used because it was too expensive; practically everything in the film score was in public domain or composed for the film. Likewise, filming in color was nixed in a cost-cutting move (though, frankly, I can't imagine how this film could be any better in color!) Movie-making is all and always about compromise.

A little research into Herbert Stothart's tonal plan for this film will help you understand it better, if understanding the technicalities will help you appreciate it more. But just enjoy "Maytime" for what it is, not what it isn't. A lovely, opulent, romance treasure. Don't be afraid to like it!

This was the third movie done by the "Singing Sweethearts," and it is often considered to be their best. Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy are in their element in this movie as two "star-cross'd lovers"; her as a poor rich girl, and him as a struggling artist. Together they face obligation, yearning, and revenge, all personified by a wonderful John Barrymore.

The music to this movie is excellent...ranging from a playful "Santa Lucia," to the climactic opera set to Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony. The achingly bittersweet lover's waltz "Will You Remember" and its reprise at the finale is a memorable tune that will have most music lovers humming it for weeks.

A wonderful love story for all time...the finale will leave many in tears. In fact, the finale to this movie is so poignant that many filmmakers still copy the same structure today.

I remember as a young teenager, I had never heard of Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy.....then one late night, Maytime was being aired on television, I watched it and after that I would never forget who Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy were! I cried my eyes out and still do every time I see this glorious film. Everything about this movie is wonderful.....costumes, supporting cast, even the story line which is usually not too strong in McDonald/Eddy films. But, oh it's the music and those voices that will enchant you. This along with "Naughty Marietta" is my favorite of the McDonald/Eddy films. It was another time and another world when this type of film was popular but even so, Maytime will continue to enthrall you, touch you and make you weep copious amounts of tears. Especially when you hear..."Sweetheart, sweetheart, sweetheart. Though our paths may sever. Through life's last faint embers, will you remember, springtime, lovetime, May". Glorious!!

An unashamed wallow in that era where true romance took the place of stark reality, where our 'lovers' never actually got that far, and everyone went around singing - this is my favourite MacDonald/Eddy film and is absolutely delightful from beginning to end. It has its funny bits, its sad bits, its achingly romantic bits, and a worthy villain in the wonderful John Barrymore. And of course the Singing Sweethearts are at their most appealing. Lovely ...

This film should never be remade under any circumstance. You do not mess around with genius. Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald at their very best. When it hits the tube, I get the tissue, lay back in my recliner and watch. And on every occasion, I see something that I had missed before. There is so much love there.