Very Cool!!!

terrible... so disappointed.

Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

There was a time when films were made in a different way, where every detail counted and the performances, the direction, the hairstyles, the costumes, the art direction, every part of the picture was important in order to create a part of the history that gave its name to the 7th. art. It was a time when in the screen dreams could come true and Hollywood really knew how to show it. The best craft men, art directors, electricians, sound engineers, musicians, dressmakers... a whole crew was put on service of this productions to make them bigger than life no matter their cost...this is the way some great movies were made. And Naughty Marietta was one of those. The screen play combines perfectly drama, comedy and adventure with songs and romance. And both Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy fit like a glove in their movie characters' personality. They are simply splendid in their roles and have great chemistry in this their first screen appearance together and he is specially good as the rude frontier man who, without even noticing it, experiences a change since the moment he meets her. The rest of the cast is perfect: Frank Morgan is excellent as the governor and his clear diction is perfect ; Elsa Lanchester is also great as his up-nose wife. Even the minor roles as the maid are nicely played. The sets are simply marvelous and all the details carefully placed. *Spoiler* Delightful moment when we see while Marietta (Jeanette MacDonald) sings Ah, sweet mystery of life Warrington (Nelson Eddy) expression changes subtly from delight to gloomy when he realizes she is letting him know she won't be able to see him again and saying goodbye. *End of the spoiler* I believe it was J. MacDonald preferred film and it is fully understandable. The sequence where she takes the ship to the new land disguised as an ordinary maid is funny and brilliant and probably she had a great time filming it. The film is based on a Broadway operetta and although there are minor songs in it delicious Chansonette, powerful Neath the southern moon, charming I'm falling in love with someone and, of course beautiful Ah, sweet mystery of life confers a special shine to this movie. So this is Hollywood at its best: the stuff that dreams are made of.

Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy had their first teaming in the musical "Naughty Marietta" in 1935. They went on to make "The New Moon," "I Married an Angel," my favorite, "Maytime," and many others. Both performers were operatically trained, Eddy possessing a magnificent high baritone, and MacDonald a coloratura soprano. If her high notes don't have frontal placement and seem to back off, it's still a pretty voice, and of the two, she was the actor as well as being a great beauty.Though the film uses the Victor Herbert score, it differs in plot from the actual musical. Here, a princess ordered to marry one Don Carlo replaces her maid, Marietta, on a ship that carries women to New Orleans to look for a husband. Right before they arrive, pirates attack the ship and the women are rescued by mercenaries, headed by Richard Worthington (Eddy). With her beauty and obvious education, Marietta sticks out and begins a love-hate relationship with the vain Worthington. Soon, however, a messenger arrives - the King is looking for his escaped princess.The couple sing "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life," while Eddy leads his men in "Tramp, tramp, tramp," and MacDonald entertains with the "Italian Street Song," and "Chansonette" among other solos that each has.This isn't the greatest MacDonald-Eddy musical, but it was a huge hit and started them off on their partnership. Were they in love in real life? Supposedly they were and never got together because Eddy wouldn't have wanted her to work. But take a look at Gene Raymond. He kind of looks like Nelson Eddy.

"Naughty Marietta" is acknowledged to be the initial memorable pairing of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald in the still popular field of operetta and light opera.The terrible oppression of the Depression decade was relieved by the happy smiling Shirley Temple, the Dick Powell/Busby Berkeley musicals, and the screwball comedies of Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, William Powell, Rosalind Russell, Carole Lombard, et al.But the happy pairing of Nelson and Jeanette with their glorious duets and individual performances of the music of Victor Herbert, Rudolph Friml and Sigmund Romberg appealed to the many who found much solace in the sound of two balanced voices joined in melodic songs. Jeanette MacDonald had already made many musicals with Maurice Chevalier and Ramon Navarro but the music of Victor Herbert seemed to afford the opportunity for her to display her particular talents to advantage.While still a princess in Europe, she has a chance to sing the lilting "Chansonette". And as the boat leaves France for the new world, "Prayer" includes strains of the popular "Yesterthoughts". In the new world, Nelson Eddy has an opportunity to introduce himself with the famous "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" rouser. Later, around the campfire, he does a marvelous job with "The Owl and the Polecat". Two lovely ballads that Victor Herbert provided are also included. " 'Neath the Southern Moon" and "I'm Falling in Love With Someone". Jeanette also has an opportunity to shine with the "Italian Street Song".But, of course, the song that everyone remembers is "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life" which develops over the life of the picture from the beginning scenes with Jeanette's teacher in Paris to the final scenes in the New World when it becomes a soaring duet.If operetta or light opera music is not your cup of tea, this movie may not have much appeal for you. Admittedly, this is the music of a century ago. But there are many movie viewers who do savor this type of music and for them, "Naughty Marietta" is a real treat. It even has delightful moments of comedy with Frank Morgan,Elsa Lanchester and Edward Brophy.Both for insight into film history, music history and just plain entertainment, this movie is an enjoyable diversion. An hour and a half or so in today's busy world is not too much to expend for a bit of nostalgia. If you do discover a 'new world' , there are many other treats awaiting you. "Naughty Marietta" was only the first in a long series of films such as Rose Marie"; "New Moon" "Maytime"; "Girl of the Golden West"; etc.

I love this movie & have watched it many times. It's funny, sweet and true love triumphs. And the duet on the stairs is one of the most passionate scenes I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in the movies - it never fails to bring tears to my eyes.