The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy [Hardcover]

Eleanor Knowles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 9, 2007

—HE was a tall, fair-haired, classically trained baritone from the opera and concert stage. —SHE was a petite redhead who had danced her way out of the chorus to become a musical comedy star on Broadway. In the dark days of the Depression, this unlikely combination collided almost accidentally on a movie sound stage, and the sparks ignited a nation. Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, separately and together, made movie history. They starred in some of the greatest musicals of the Golden Age of Hollywood, films that continue to enchant and inspire. Detailed film credits by John Cocchi, plots, and backgrounds for their 41 films; complete music lists by J. Peter Bergman, biographies of the two stars, complete discography, and 591 photos from the Golden Years of Hollywood musicals.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the 10 Best Film Books of the year...magnificently done."
Merrill T. McCord Award, Best Researched Film Book, 2007 -- Classic Images magazine

About the Author

ELEANOR KNOWLES (DUGAN) is a San Francisco based writer, author of dozens of articles on films and film history, especially the early musicals and their relationship with musical stage forms. She started life as a theatrical and film costumer in New York and Los Angeles. More recently, she has written twenty-three books on business and communications topics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 646 pages
• Publisher: Booksurge LLC (February 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419601008
• ISBN-13: 978-1419601002
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,631,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eleanor Knowles (Dugan) is the author of several dozen communications and how-to books. The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, published under her maiden name, was her first book back in 1976. This 2006 edition is revised, updated, and expanded to include

'NELSON EDDY was a tall, fair-haired, classically trained baritone from the opera and concert stage.

'JEANETTE MacDONALD was a petite redhead who had danced her way out of the chorus to become a musical comedy star on Broadway.

In the dark days of the Depression, this unlikely combination collided almost accidentally on a movie sound stage, and the sparks ignited a nation. Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, separately and together, made movie history. They starred in some of the greatest musicals of the Golden Age of Hollywood, films that continue to enchant and inspire.
You are invited to meet Jeanette and Nelson for the first time, or to learn more about their incredible careers. You'll find:

' detailed film credits, plots, and backgrounds for their 41 films:

' complete music lists

' production history on the films

' biographies of the two stars

' complete discography

' 591 photos, 646 pages

You'll also find an invitation to fall in love all over again--in love with the music, laughter, romance, and the heightened awareness of life's joys that is generated and personified by these two unique artists.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Singing Sweethearts" hit all the right notes., August 21, 2006

By 

Paul Brogan (Concord, NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy (Hardcover)

Gifted writer Eleanor Knowles has updated her excellent 1975 book, "The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy" and while there may be some who feel she is "gilding the Lily", the reality is that she has, in fact, improved on what was already a most valuable reference book on multiple levels.

Eleanor has a rare ability to objectively write about subjects she obviously cares about and respects a great deal. By being so objective she avoids the possibility of turning it into a "fan piece" replete with nothing but praise for every note the screen sweethearts intone. Her book is much more than a listing and insight into the films the duo made both separately and together. It is, in fact, a wonderful story about the evolution of the American musical film from its early talkie days through the 30's and 40's. It makes for wonderful reading from an historical standpoint and will make the reader - whether a longtime fan of the stars or a newcomer - admire the place MacDonald and Eddy hold in the Hollywood firmament.

Ms. Knowles skillfully quotes a wide source of reviews when analyzing the films - some raves, some less so and some that are downright harsh. By doing this she makes it clear that she is not writing a puff piece for Photoplay but rather a serious historical document for future reference.

Her sources are clearly spelled out and in writing about the stars' off-screen lives, there is no fantasy element included. What she writes she can back-up with reputable sources and one walks away, as with Edward Turk's biography of MacDonald, with a keen admiration and respect for BOTH stars and the careers they carved, not only on the silver screen but in other mediums.

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy carved out unique and indelible niches in the history of film. This book captures the magic they possessed as a team and as hardworking, talented and gifted individuals. This is a book to savor and I guarantee you'll want to go out and watch all the films after reading the in-depth analysis and behind the scenes stories. After viewing them, you'll want to re-read the book.

The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy is all that a "Films of" book should and so rarely is. Miss Knowles has enriched the already sterling legacy of the stars by writing in a way that never fails to enlighten and entertain.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for all true movie buffs!, December 17, 2006

By 

Fay La Galle (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy (Hardcover)

Eleanor Knowles' book on the films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy is the sort you keep coming back to. Each time you walk past it on your coffee table, you open at a page, read and are transported back to the Golden Era of movies. For someone who loves to find out all the little "behind the scenes" bits and pieces, this book is ideal. There is so much of interest. All the backgound information on the two stars, the cast of their films, how the films evolved - makes for interesting reading. Too many people have the misconception that once MacDonald and Eddy's film careers finished that they "disappeared off into the sunset of retirement". Not so. Eleanor presents two people who worked in various fields as long as they were able. If possible, Eleanor has improved on her original book and presents an intelligent, well-researched and lovingly crafted tome that should be on any serious movie buff's book shelf!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magnificent document of a Golden Era in film musicals, December 9, 2006

By 

Brian CASTLES-ONION (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy (Hardcover)

The original edition of this authoritative book provided me with many happy memories during my childhood and I was delighted to learn of its recent expanded and updated reissue. My glossy new copy has pride of place in my home!

Eleanor Knowles passion for these immortal personalities is obvious and shines on every page. She delivers a thoroughly detailed document leaving no stone unturned. The splendid THE FILMS OF JEANETTE MACDONALD AND NELSON EDDY is a landmark book in this genre and deserves to be in every public and private library. It is something one returns to to learn from the past. Profound thanks!