Customer Reviews

Girl of the Golden West [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw this movie- somewhere I'd gotten the impression that it wasn't going to be as enjoyable as other MacEddy movies, which just wasn't so. Nelson's voice is as luscious as ever and he is just as debonair and romantic in his portrayal of the swashbuckling Ramerez. Jeanette's character is less coquettish and more open and trusting than her usual which was a nice change. Ramerez, stolen from his own family as a baby, becomes the infamous leader of a group of mexican bandits (his own more trusting instincts becoming stifled when his adoptive father is shot while offering help to white settlers.) The plot develops delightedly as Ramerez falls for Mary, who owns the local saloon and is being courted by the town's sheriff, who in turn is trying to track down Ramerez (echoes of Rose Marie but with a twist.) Girl of the Golden West may not have produced any musical hits but Jeanette and Nelson's numbers are still entrancing, especially Jeanette's version of Liebestraum. (And who can resist the grand dance production, Mariachi, along with Nelson's song Dance With Me and spectacular exit from that scene.) Truly as delightful as any Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald movie!

Two hours of this fast-moving 1938 saga of Old California West is a little long. Color would have helped black and white long shots... so often mottled like ink on a blotter; a forgiven price we sometimes have to pay for these wonderful old movie gems.

The story features Poker Saloon owner Mary (Jeanette MacDonald) who talks like a hillbilly, walks like a cow but sings like an angel. The irony is palpable with classics like "Liebestraum" (Is Love a Dream?) and "Ave Maria" (Gounod's).

Our swashbuckler leading man Ramerez (Nelson Eddy) leads a pack of South-of-the-Border desperados to steal gold from stagecoaches and have fun in the process. As a phony Mexican bandito, Ramerez follows the Robin Hood tradition of taking from the rich to give to the Monterey mission. His bold sombrero covers his golden hair (but not his golden heart) and his mask exposes only his dark eyes, vivid without the distraction of a lipsticked mouth; a method apparently acceptable to actors of the`30s. To this, throw in Leo Carrillo as Ramerez's jolly sidekick and the transformation is believable.

Mary quickly comes to love Ramerez, believing him to be the gentlemanly Lt. Johnson assigned her as festival escort. Mary's devoted pals in the Poker Saloon genuinely love and respect her. No other woman do we see there ever, suggesting that only two kinds of women frequent bars; those like Mary who own the place and bar maids who would cheapen it. No objection to this omission from the director, but what an opportunity missed in a movie of that time..

"Alabama" (Buddy Ebsen), who hides unspoken feelings, accepts that he is not in Mary's league but loves her anyway and expects nothing.

Sheriff Rance (Walter Pidgeon) on the other hand , expects everything. He knows Mary favors Ramerez/Lt. Johnson, but continues pursuit of her heart as he pursues Ramerez into the snowy Sierras where Mary has a log cabin. She has invited Ramerez/Lt.Johnson to "suppa" in her cabin in the sky, thus the deadly triangle of trouble is now in place. Lots of crises in this movie, & not the first time Jeanette's character has to be compromised for the one she really loves.

Much here to appreciate, the buoyant festival with Ramerez leading "Seniorita, Mariachi," (Dance with Me) and an especially beautiful Jeanette, a subtle projection of inner grace, like a woman in love. A genuine love story is never too good to be true.

This was the fifth time around for this story. Originally, it was a play by David Belasco in 1905; it was made as three silents as well as an opera. In this version, Eddy and MacDonald were at the height of their popularity: their finest effort - MAYTIME - was filmed the year prior. The screenplay isn't exactly superlative and the direction drags a bit, but fans of the great singing duo should still find themselves semi-enthralled. Jeanette owns a rough gambling saloon and Nelson is a Zorro-like character - but on the wrong side of the law. They fall in love, naturally. The best number in the film is the elaborate MARIACHI number. Buddy Ebsen, who plays Alabama, is in fine form and gives the movie some much-needed comedic moments. Monty Wooley can be seen briefly as the Governor. Melodies include Liszt's beautiful LIEBESTRAUM, THE WIND IN THE TREES, SUN-UP TO SUNDOWN & AVE MARIE....{What a deux mixture!!} Oddly enough, Ray Bolger was originally singing and dancing in this film, but his scenes were deleted. Why is this strange? We all know that Bolger went on into cinema immortality as the Scarecrow the next year in M-G-M's enduring classic WIZARD OF OZ. But many forget that Ebsen was the studio's first choice for the Tinman. Because he was highly allergic - he nearly died - to the aluminum dust mixed into paste for the Tinman's make-up, he was ultimately replaced with Jack Haley.

This was for me a pretty good movie. I have seen all but one of this duo's movies and this is either the best or second best I have seen. It was amusing to see them play these parts. I really enjoyed seeing Buddy Ebson when he was really young! I was hoping he would dance though. The movie held my interest all the way.

Walter Pidgeon in an unsympathetic role? Jeanette MacDonald as a cowgirl who just happens to sing Liebestraum in a trained soprano, for patrons of her saloon? I don't think so either. Perhaps with a more astute production these challenges could have been overcome, but this film is not about giving MacDonald/Eddy suitable material...who needed to, if material like this would make the same amount of money for the studio?
The long prologue is unnecessary and pointless, and when even a single duet would have been most welcome, but alas there are none. Let's See: they sing great seperately, but are one-of-a-kind special when together...let's not bother to expand on that talent???!!! And don't get me started on the embarrassing, inept makeup and atrocious wig on poor Mr. Eddy. There is something seriously wrong with making a movie performer look less attractive than in real life, unless such things are called for in a particular characterization. Some fans of the duo such as myself cannot bring themselves to enjoy this film. Go see Maytime or Naughty Marietta instead.

In spite of the movie's slow beginning and Nelson Eddy's terrible makeup, the story makes for enjoyable entertainment. Individually Jeanette MacDonald (Mary "Girl" Robbins) and Eddy (Ramirez) are very good in their roles, but the usual on-screen chemistry between them is strained due to circumstances in their personal lives which affected their interaction. The movie's major weaknesses revolve around that strained relationship and are compounded by the fact that in relation to their other movies they have very little screen time together.

To understand the weaknesses in the movie it helps to know that screen sweethearts Eddy & MacDonald were also in love in real life, but studio boss L.B. Mayer was determined to keep them apart and succeeded in coercing Jeanette into a marriage with actor Gene Raymond. The Girl of the Golden West was the first movie made by the MacDonald & Eddy team after Jeanette's marriage. Nelson was having trouble dealing with her marriage and was drinking heavily to drown his sorrows (thus the need for the overdone makeup). Jeanette, who dicovered on her honeymoon that her groom was not the man she thought him to be, was trying hard to keep up appearances as a "happy" newlywed, when she was in fact miserable.

The situation on the set of GGW was an emotional rollercoaster for both stars and the strain came to a head during the filming of the "Obey Your Heart" number. Intended as a duet, the song was ultimately sung as a solo by Nelson because Jeanette kept breaking down in tears. After repeated takes, she was able to sit numbly while Nelson sang alone but the viewer can clearly see her expression is at odds with a woman having a love song sung to her. She looks numb and drained and ready to burst into tears again when Eddy takes her hands in his. Of their 8 movies together, this is the only one without a love duet.

The tension between the two stars lasted until well into the filming when Eddy learned the truth about Jeanette's marriage and the two stars renewed their off-screen relationship. While nothing ever completely diminishes their chemistry together, the positive change in their demeanor toward each other is clearly evident in the closing shot of the movie, which was filmed after their reconciliation.

Among the supporting characters, Buddy Ebsen (Alabama) and Leo Carrillo (Mosquito) stand out, with Walter Pigeon as debonair as ever as Jack Rance, the man who loves the "Girl" and the sheriff determined to get Ramirez.

All in all, the movie is fun entertainment and as always, Jeanette and Nelson are in fine voice and worth watching any time they appear together.

Another film I'd never seen. Based on the critics reviews and comments I thought it was going to be a disappointment but it was a fun movie. Nelson Eddy was very loosy goosy in this one. Wooden? I think not! I loved the little "Piper Play for me" song Jeanette sings with Buddy Ebsen "playing" the flute. Lovely songs, but sadly no duet!!! In fact the closest to a duet is a short snippet at the end of the Mariachi number (oh so BRIEF!)and the very ending reprise of "Seniorita". Very odd. It was a little too long, I know where I'd make cuts. The prologue with the young Mary and Gringo was cute but found myself waiting impatiently for Jeanette and Nelson to make their appearances! That little girl sang "Shadows on the Moon" very well. Shocked that Eddy showed up on screen before MacDonald. Score one for the baritone! LOL One other odd thing was this big Mariachi production number with so very little of Eddy/MacDonald in it! Weird. I would have loved to have seen them the center of the production number. What was MGM thinking??? Walter Pigeon was terrific as was Buddy Ebsen. It was fun to see Jeanette MacDonald play a regular "gal" of the west, so to speak and finally not a princess! I thought it suited her. Oh and the video tape was in great condition, with fast shipping (I didn't know if I was supposed to review the film itself or the product, i.e. the video tape and seller! -- so have done both!) Wish TCM would put these all out on DVD!

This movie has a lot of wonderful music and classics from Hollywood's bygone era. Jeannette MacDonald and Eddy Nelson are nicely paired up. And there is even a little vignette with a very young Buddy Ebsen (of Beverly Hillbillies fame). It is a classic light-hearted Western based actually off of an opera. Sometimes it was hard to understand what was being said because of the lackluster sound quality. And towards the end the guy she doesn't pick actually starts to seem more sympathetic. It makes for a nice movie, however,

The story is set during the settling of the wild west. A young boy sees a young girl singing at the settlers campfire, then never sees her again until they're both grown. Only he doesn't know it's the same girl and she already has her hands full of suitors.

Sigmund Romberg! Where are you? We need the likes of you desperately these days--and some singers with truly melodic voices who are not afraid to use them! Yes, the story is a bit thin, but it is only a vehicle for conveying some memorable music. Nelson Eddy provides a very good foil, musically, for Jeanette McDonald.