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The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy

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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 By doing this she makes it clear that she is not writing a puff piece for Photoplay but rather a serious historical document for future reference.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.

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!

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!

In the midst of all the wonderful detail every movie buff relishes, Eleanor Knowles never forgets a constant focus on Nelson and Jeanette, both as real people and Hollywood icons. Never bogging down in academic language, she writes with intensity, accuracy, and humor, in a direct style everyone can understand. If you are looking for definitive reference material or reflective insight on MacDonald and Eddy and those who surrounded them, it's all here. This re-edited edition is chock full of new information, and Ms. Knowles is THE authority to put it all together. Wow!

The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy is a serious, factual reference on the lives, and careers of Jeanette and Nelson that would assist the most ardent music student with their thesis. But alas, do not place this tome on a dusty shelf in the library stacks!! It is a handsome and colorfully bound book, perfect for your coffee table. Easy to read, filled with lovely photographs from the Golden Age of the Hollywood Musicals, when "America's Singing Sweethearts" reigned supreme.

This book is a rich banquet of details about the films that Jeanette and Nelson made together. Beyond that are wonderful details about the stars themselves, the making of the films, tne circumstances and the other stars involved. It is the personal information which so enriches this book. Eleanor brings them to life in detail and with hundreds of wonderful pictures.. Eleanor is a fabulous writer who has brought these two to life for the reader to remember or learn about for the first time.

This is a must for every movie buff and for all those who remember the Golden Years when these two Stars ruled the musical screen.

There are no words to describe this wonderful book and Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy I always enjoy to have any thing that reminds them.