This is one of the toughest films to review, as those who LIKE operetta-style Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy films will no doubt love the film and watch it. The rest of us, however, probably have little interest in this film style of a by-gone era. So, this is a "self-selecting" film and it's not surprising the ratings are so high for this film---those who DON'T like this style just won't watch it.
Well, I forced myself to try and sit through one--mostly because I adore Hollywood's Golden Age and the films of MacDonald and Eddy are about the only ones I have NOT watched from the 1930s and 40s. While not a huge fan of musicals in general, I have seen quite a few nevertheless--I just dreaded the thought of an operetta musical. After seeing it, I was NOT converted--I still think these films only appeal to a very select group. While TECHNICALLY a good film--with good acting and very high production values--I just can't see this film interesting much of anyone other than the die-hard fans. A great example of this is the ever-present song "At Last Sweet Mystery of Life". This cornball song is HORRIBLE by modern standards and can start the neighborhood dogs howling, but lovers of the genre find it magical. I just can't figure it, but to each his own--you don't have to love EVERY style of film and it certainly isn't hurting me that others find them appealing.
So, if you LOVE this style it will not disappoint and if you don't, try ANY other movie from this era!
Well, I forced myself to try and sit through one--mostly because I adore Hollywood's Golden Age and the films of MacDonald and Eddy are about the only ones I have NOT watched from the 1930s and 40s. While not a huge fan of musicals in general, I have seen quite a few nevertheless--I just dreaded the thought of an operetta musical. After seeing it, I was NOT converted--I still think these films only appeal to a very select group. While TECHNICALLY a good film--with good acting and very high production values--I just can't see this film interesting much of anyone other than the die-hard fans. A great example of this is the ever-present song "At Last Sweet Mystery of Life". This cornball song is HORRIBLE by modern standards and can start the neighborhood dogs howling, but lovers of the genre find it magical. I just can't figure it, but to each his own--you don't have to love EVERY style of film and it certainly isn't hurting me that others find them appealing.
So, if you LOVE this style it will not disappoint and if you don't, try ANY other movie from this era!