Customer Reviews

Sweethearts: The Timeless Love Affair- On-screen and Off- Between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

My mother knew Nelson Eddy as a friend back in the 1930s and '40s. It is absolutely true that Nelson wanted to marry Jeanette MacDonald; it was discussed at our dinner table after Nelson's visits. Although I was a teenager and not privy to all of it, I learned enough to know that even though they married other people, their marriages were not happy and they still loved each other. Why some people still deny it is beyond belief and does Jeanette and Nelson a great disservice. Bravo, Miss Rich, for having the courage to tell the whys and wherefores!

I am elated to see the truth about Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald,in a book at last.My mother knew Nelson Eddy from the late 1920's, and all through his life. She had first hand knowledge of Nelson and Jeanette's love affair, which we used to discuss, after he visited. Why so many people cannot accept the reality of their relationship and continue to believe the fairy tale,that they want to believe, is beyond all reason. Bravo, for this book, which shows the actual human side of this heart rending love affair.

This is the best book that I have ever read on the couple, Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy. I am the biggest fan and have loved them since 1965, I couldn't believe it when I viewed the "This is your life" tv show. The way she looked at Nelson when he walked out of the curtain, it was so clear, you KNOW it was love! FINALLY a book came out revealing what WE ALL KNEW ALREADY! Thanks so much Sharon Rich! (And to those fans who are not liberated enough to believe Jeanette had loved Nelson, FACE IT and get on with your life! It's not hard to believe!)

I would like to thank Ms. Rich for writing a book finally revealing the timeless love affair that all TRUE Mac/Eddy fans knew existed. Jeanette herself stated in a 1960's interview (Exerpt included in the book 'The Jeanette Macdonald Story') That she was in love with a man in the 1930s, tall, blonde, and always wondered what would have happened if she married him instead of Raymond. In their little ways they let the audience know what was going on behind the scenes, and for that I am glad. Now we know, THEY ARE TOGETHER, FINALLY! God Bless them and Thank you - Dame Sharon Rich

Nelson and Jeanette have never been equalled. When you read this book and see their films you will share is something very special that only a few folks these days know about. The secrect and life long love affair of these two film and singing legends shows in every scene. Their incredible talents, great movies and their raging love combine for a unparalled experience. A breath of fresh air in today's grim and cynical movies. Join the fan club, buy all of the movies, I have!! Sharon Rich's book is a masterpiece. Read it and then see Naughty Marietta. You will be hooked! Trust me!!!! Armando Zumaya

I read both the 1994 edition and the new 2001 updated paperback edition of "Sweethearts." Both are excellent, well-written, well-researched and tear-jerkers! I like the new chapter that tells how Miss Rich met and became friends with Jeanette's sister Blossom, who got her started on this story. Also in the new version I counted 56 pages of meticulous source notes, including reproductions of letters (from previously annonymous sources who have since died)for those who have to see it to believe it, Gene Raymond's arrest log, FBI files, etc. Famous people who are still alive and knew about the Jeanette-Nelson romance are quoted by name. No documentation? Get real! Arguing that Mayer was called "Louie B." in the book is a minus point? He WAS called either that or L.B. to his name--and a lot worse names behind his back! Nelson Eddy called him "Louie B." in interviews, so what is the problem here? Also, so what if some of the author's sources who are still living haven't decided to turn over private letters to a library. It has no bearing on the validity of those letters. Miss Rich played a lengthy videotape in Los Angeles last year at a Mac/Eddy luncheon of the owner of some of the letters. The elderly woman held the original letters up to the camera and read lengthy selections out loud, even some of the more graphic ones. Word for word, they were exactly as quoted in the book. Bottom line: Nelson Eddy bedded Jeanette MacDonald, as often as he could, it seems. So get over it! All I want to know is, Miss Rich, where's the movie version? We're waiting impatiently! I'm certain even the younger generation can learn from this tragic story of two people who discovered too late how much they loved each other. But until the movie is made, I highly recommend the book for any fan of old Hollywood or anyone who wants to read a true-life "Romeo and Juliet."

I have met some of the sources named in "Sweethearts" and they verify that they were quoted correctly. Gene Raymond's homosexuality was well-known in Hollywood. Ms. Rich doesn't even mention that Raymond frequented that now-defunct gay bar in Cathedral City, Daddy Warbucks. The MacDonald-Eddy affair was best-known in town from the mid '30s to the mid '40s. In the '50s Jeanette semi-retired and Nelson left Hollywood to go on the nightclub circuit, so the "Hollywood" crowd knew less, plus the nature of her relationship with Nelson had changed. Obviously there was bitterness but also a spiritual bond that apparently was never broken. If the exhaustive documentation and celebrity name-dropping in the book doesn't convince you, [look] at Ms. Rich's just-published companion volume to "Sweethearts," the Interactive Biography with a hundred photos that back up her claims, as well as a copy of Gene Raymond's arrest log with the LAPD. Look at the photos that prove they knew each other long before "Naughty Marietta" (clue: Nelson has a mustache). She's right when she says to listen to Nelson breaking down and crying while giving an interview the day Jeanette died, or to watch "This is Your Life" and see for yourself Jeanette's reaction when Nelson makes an appearance. Jeanette and Nelson themselves give the essence of the story away by their actions. Rich makes her case, sad to say, because it's a tragic story of two very decent people who were chewed up and spit out by Hollywood. That they kept their pain private from their fans and most of their friends, and tried to just go on with their lives, doesn't make it any less true.

This book is extremely well documented, and the author wasn't sued even though Jeanette's husband is still alive. "Sweethearts" should be made as movie; it's one of the great Hollywood love stories. You can read the first chapter of it online at: http://idt.net/~maceddy

Made me sad. Was very interesting - read it in 2 evenings. As a fan, of course it makes sense, but still so tragic. One hopes they are together somewhere!

As a devolted fan of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy I was pleased to read this fair and objective biography. Once I started, I could not put the book down until I completed it the next day. Ms. Rich has done her research most throughly. The book is interesting at all times and moves quite fast. While a fan also, Sharon Rich remains objective at all times. I througly enjoyed reading SWEETHEARTS