Maytime (1937)

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."


What a movie!   July 4, 2000
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

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 =).


My Favorite Movie   May 5, 2004
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

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.


Greatest Musical!   July 8, 1999
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

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.