Customer Reviews

New Moon [VHS]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A beautifully filmed version of the famous 1928 Hammerstein-Romberg operetta. In 1789, the Duke de Vidier, a young French aristocrat, renounces his claim of nobility to further the cause of the revolution by freeing the bond servants in New Orleans. While posing as a deported servant named Charles Michon, the Duke sails on a New Orleans bound ship where he meets the spoiled Marianne de Beaumanoir.......Naturally the above roles are filled by none other than Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald, respectively. The working title of this film was LOVER COME BACK, and it was sometimes broadcast on television as PARISIAN BELLE. An earlier 1931 version starred Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett. Buster Keaton and Nat Pendelton can be seen very briefly as bondsmen. The wonderful score includes such perennials as LOVER COME BACK TO ME, STOUTHEARTED MEN, SOFTLY AS IN A MORNING SUNRISE & ONE KISS. The steamboat scenes were shot at Santa Catalina Island by Clyde de Vinna.

This film was made in 1940 when Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald were at their peak. Both singers could emote. They didn't need to swallow the microphone as they do today, with their thin, breathy style of singing, depending upon technology to be heard.

The story revolves around a French Duke who, during the revolution, gives up his title, frees his bonded servants, and heads for New Orleans by ship, posing as a servant(footman). On the voyage he meets Jeanette McDonald, where a love/hate relationship develops. He is sold as a slave,takes over the ship, is shipwrecked on an uncharted tropical island, and their relationship takes the inevitable course.

This is a musical, and so McDonald and Eddy regale us with several songs. it is no wonder that they were such popular singers. They actually harmonized, in those days. Refreshing, indeed.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of The Descendants of Thomas Pier
and other books

This movie is truely beautiful. The costumes, The photography, the lighting, and the music. This is my favorite of the MacDonald, and Eddy movies.

They don't make them like this anymore. This is one of Jeanette and Nelson's best films. Their are some really lovely and memorable songs, and a good storyline. I highly recommend this film.

A classic musical romantic comedy. Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy were at their superb best. Their onscreen chemistry while always good peaked in this movie. The supporting cast is also excellent. While the story is romantized the yearning of people for liberty is presented well. The costumes and sets were all beautiful. The only serious flaw is that the movie was presented in black and white.

When I talk with people about prejudice. I remind them that blind rejection of someone who could become a very good friend is inane and self-defeating. The same can be applied to those "modernists" who reject the innocent and great movies of the 1930s to the 50s and even some 1960s, because "they ain't with it, man." They'll never know some great joys such as the grand musicals such as the great period love story about (in part) the democracizing of France as experienced by New World Travelers. The Nelson Eddy-Jeanette MacDonald movies are classic examples, from which many of the greatest American love songs have come. "New Moon," for example. Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Sigmund Romberg? Untouchable!!
Point # 2: The "perfect ingenue" -- in my view -- must be dainty, female, of course, innocent --though "innocent coyness" in flirting is permitted, and modest in the old-fashioned way.
Ingenues must also be great singers, with preference to high sopranos, not mezzos. Cyd Charisses is too tall, Leslie Caron, too French, Doris Day too tomboyish in addition to not being a soprano. Eleanor Powell flashed her gorgeous gams too provocatively to be an ingenue. Maybe there ought to be a contest by Turner or Amazon on this. Anyway, this narrows the field down to 2: Jeanette MacDonald (New Moon) and Kathryn Grayson (Showboat.) My vote is for Jeanette MacDonald who is ravishingly coquettish, and THE perfect ingenue. In the early scene where the rebel duke in disguise is flirting with the pleased but guarded aristocrat, Marianne, he kisses her hand which delights her, surprises her and tips her a little off-balance. She says, "You're a romantic fellow, aren't you?," trying to maintain her poise. He replies Yes, aren't you? and in haste she replies, "Well, within reason." YOWSAH!

Is this not perfection? Jeanette has the title. This movie has some of the wittiest dialogue you'll ever hear. Arguements?
See this great, fetching, classic musical love-story and enjoy.

Janette McDonald and Nelson Eddy were at their classic very best in The New Moon. This film has a very similar setting and flavor as did the other of their best films, Naughty Marietta. The music is beautiful. The settings and cinematograpphy is amazing for the time. It is no wonder that audiences still stand and applaud after viewing these films when reshown in theaters.

"Wonderful" is the best word to describe this Nelson Eddy/Jeanette MacDonald movie. The storyline, the chemistry between the stars and the terrific songs make this a movie to see.

Duke Charles Henri de Vidier (Eddy), the grandnephew of the king and a captain in the royal navy, abandons his birthright to assist the commoners in their fight for freedom during the French revolution. Arrested and sentenced to die for his betrayal, he escapes and assuming the identity of Charles Michon, he arranges to have himself shipped as a bond servant to the New World.

During the voyage to Lousiana, sparks of attraction fly when Michon meets Marianne de Beaumanoir who is headed to New Orleans to assume control of her family's plantation. On reaching her new home Marianne discovers Charles, who she mistakenly thought to be a ship's officer, has in fact been purchased as a servant in her own home, a situation that provides for numerous amusing exchanges.

Despite the social taboo, love blossoms between mistress and servant, but the romance is short-lived when fate results in them being shipwrecked on an island where Charles is in charge, thus reversing their roles.

Eddy & MacDonald are terrific in New Moon and the witty dialogue and comical situations provide all around entertainment. In spite of several similarities between this movie and their first (Naughty Marietta), New Moon is a movie worth every moment of the time to watch it. It is a "must see" for MacDonald/Eddy fans and is recommended for anyone who enjoys good clean fun.

I bought this movie for my grandparents. I have never seen it but having it arrive in the mail to them after they searched and searched for it locally; made my grandpa cry.

Never saw this one before. The tape was in good watchable condition and fast shipping. Very romantic duet of "Wanting You" is in itself worth watching! Wow, what chemistry these two had! I could listen to them sing all day! In fact, sometimes I do. :) The story is kind of a retelling of Naughty Marietta, isn't it? Except he's the royal masquerading as a servant. I love the ending on the island (man, this story is all over the place isn't it?) where she marries him so he'll protect her from the other men's advances...and yet, she falls for him. Very sweet. I wish our movies were more romantic like these old ones!