Customer Reviews

Maytime [VHS]

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

So ends the haunting refrain of Sigmund Romberg's lovely "Will You Remember?"--the signature song of his wartime hit "Maytime." Otherwise known as the Sweetheart song ("Sweetheart, sweetheart, sweetheart..."), this song of songs is the recuring theme of this 1937 MGM musical masterpiece.

The screens own singing sweethearts, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy were at the peak of their vocal powers and this opulent film was their crowning victory. Miss MacDonald claimed this as her own personal favorite.

Marcia (Jeanette), an American opera singer in Paris, and Paul (Nelson), an American voice student, fall hopelessly in love in a chance meeting followed by an enchanting outing at the Maytime festival. Unfortunately it is too late, for she has just accepted the proposal of her egocentric voice teacher, Nicolai, (marvelously played by John Barrymore). Separated for years, the sweethearts are finally reunited as Paul now has an international career of his own. They are paired for "Czaritza", an original MGM confection skillfully using Tchaikovsky's infectious Fifth Symphony", but Nicolai's jealousy ultimately leads to tragedy.

As the film opened with the aging Marcia Mornay reflecting back on her illustrious career and upon her unfulfilled love for Paul, so does it end. Life slips peacefully from her frail body as her spirit is once again united with her lifelong love, who had gone before her, and the two of them stroll longingly down their celestial lane as apple blossoms fall blushingly to the ground. This is one of the most poignant scenes in cinematic history. The music is glorious--almost beyond description. The costumes and sets are lavish in style and detail. "Will you remember?" Indeed you will! This is a joyous reminder of the nostalgia and happiness we feel each year in "Springtime, Lovetime, May."

My grandmother took me to the Bristol Theatre when i was just a kid for a revival of all these great Jeanette & Nelson films. (in the 50's) I loved them all but "Maytime" was my favorite. I remember feeling really sad and being perplexed with my grandmother crying at the end of the movie. I thought it was sad too but,,,,,. Then years later after my grandmother passed away i saw it again and saw what she saw in this film. It was pure beauty, love, romance, tragidy and reunion of the spirit. I have this film now and each time i watch it i think of that special time with my grandmother. This film will always have that meaning for me and the song "Sweethearts" has always been my favorite song. This might sound mushy to some people but i'm glad i have those wonderful memories of my grandmother thanks to this wonderful film. Just one small piece of advise. Have the tissues ready at the end.

For many years, I would watch this movie on TV every May 1st.I would wake up in the middle of the night to feel the emotion and joy of Marcia and Paul in love. Now that I have it on VHS, I can watch it as often as I wish.
They do not make love stories, nor musicals like this any more.It is a classic. It moves me every time I watch it. And when they sing at the fair "Sweetheart" I get very tearful.
Thank you Jeanette and Nelson, for making this beautiful film.

This is simply a wonderful film. The music is the better than any other movie that this duo have ever made. The story is worderful. The acting is superb. Please watch John Barrymore closely. Although drinking himself to death, his genius still shines through (although he alledgedly kept triping on the stairs as he and Jeanette were entering Napolean II's palace!). Eddy's rendition of "Ham and Eggs" is both delightful and ingenious. The theme of this movie seems to be, "Doing the unselfish thing is not always doing the right thing." I love this film. But I don't like unhappy endings. Enough said. Push my prejudice aside and enjoy.

I have always loved Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy movies. My mother introduced them to me when I was very young, and now that I'm 17 years old, I think I watch them more than she does! A few weeks ago, I noticed that we had a movie on the shelf called "Maytime," starring my favorite couple. I had never heard of it or noticed that we owned it. Well, I must say that it was mean of my mother not to bring this movie to my attention long ago! I watched the movie and was amazed by every aspect of it - the costumes, the setting, the plot, the acting, and of course - being a singer myself - the music. The main song, "Will You Remember," is fabulous. Its message is beautiful. I encourage everyone - Jeanette and Nelson fans or not - to watch this movie. You'll probabably end up watching it over and over, just as I did =).

I've always loved musicals but MAYTIME never fails to amaze me. It's still the greatest. Each time I watch this, I marvel at something new. The music is dynamic, the costumes by MGM's famed costumer, Adrian, are out of this world, the acting, the elaborate musical productions--endless praise. One wonders, too, at the obvious pre-production work that went into this masterwork. The opera settings, the authenticity of the massive costumes of Ms. McDonalds, the pre-recordings of the cast, especially the elaborate Russian choir in the best of the sequences, Czarizta. This is an extraordinary to come out of the tap-dancing, pop=musical thirties. Only MGM could have created this masterpiece. A delight from first frame to the last. Jeanette was never more beautiful. Watch it, study it and grieve that this era is indeed gone with the wind.

This is the most critically acclaimed film of America's Sweethearts--Nelson Eddy & Jeanette MacDonald. A tragic lovestory with haunting music shows both stars at their best. The chemistry between the two is undeniable; a public display of professional and personal affection. Great script, supporting players, lavish sets, and the stars' gorgeous voices make this a classic.

I think this is one of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy's best films. It's a very moving and tender story, and makes you really believe in the power of love. I recommend this to any fan of Nelson and Jeanette, or anyone who likes a good romantic film, with a theme of eternal love.

Yes, I'm a sucker for the MacDonald/Eddy musicals & this is their best. "Maytime" weds opera & cinema like never before & never since (too bad the wedding didn't last). Not only is the Page's scene from "les Huguenots" incorporated, but also a long opera scene from "Czaritsa" [composed specifically for this film] is included. This is pretty high-brow stuff, especially for its day! Jeanette MacDonald looks gorgeous as ever & sings magnificiently. Nelson Eddy wears too much makeup as usual but..what a voice! For a film historian this movie is indispensible. Otherwise, , these movies aren't for everyone's tastes but if you have a sweet tooth like me, then indulge!

Jeanette and Nelson thrill to such melodies as 'Will You Remember', and many other various opera arias! This is a film not to be missed! Ignore 20th century mentality and grab onto Nelson and Jeanette's sentimentality! One of my favorite films of all time!!!!!!!