Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 108, 10 May 1939, Page 5

Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald

NEW WARMTH, COLOUR AND COMEDY SPIRIT IN “SWEETHEARTS” (Regent: Screening Wednesday next.) A new Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy and a new warmth, colour and comedy spirit in musicals makes itself manifest in * ‘ Sweethearts, ’ ’ fifth co-starring musical of the famous singing team. Technieolour has given both singers a more vivid personality, while the up-to-the-minute story devised for them by Dorothy Parker and Alan Campbell from the Victor Herbert operetta provides the stars •with comedy characterisations which should win them legions of new fellowers. In “Sweethearts” Miss MacDonald and Eddy portray two 'Broadway musical comedy stars who are i husband and wife in private life. Their quarrels, temperamental outbursts, and jealousies, together with their joint attempt to outwit a producer who wants to prevent them from accepting an offer from Hollywood, make for a comedy which is rich in laughter and at the same time replete with beautiful aud original song and dance presentations. Miss MacDonald and Eddy prove themselves as skillful in modern roles as in their past costume successes and offer a musical feast in their singing of the lovely Victor Herbert songs, among them, “Sweethearts,” “Ev’ery Lover Must-Meet His Fate,” “Pretty As a Picture,” and “On Parade.” The supporting cast is one of the best, including in its imposing lineup such well-known performers as Frank Morgan in the role of the scheming but laughable producer, Ray Bolger who dances with Miss MacDonald and also in solo numbers, Florence Rice as Miss MacDonald’s secretary, Mischa Auer, Herman Bing and Reginald Gardiner.