"SWEETHEARTS”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 June 1939, Page 6

"SWEETHEARTS”

The following is the opinion of the "Film Weekly’s” critic of “Sweethearts.” M.G.M.’s special feature with Jeanette MacDonald. Nelson Eddy, j Frank Morgan. Ray Bolger. Florence) Rice, Mischa Auer, Herman Bing,' George Barbier. "Literally gorgeous from every point i of view, Metro’s first technicolour fea- j lure production. With the exquisitely beautiful blending of colour in cos- j tumes and backgrounds added to the i glory of their two voices in a splen- 1 did choice of numbers, and the ex-! tremely attractive personalities of i Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, what more can be desired? There is a slight romantic plot and a happy ending woven into a proces- 1 sion of gay, glittering, spectacular se-! quences. which will ravish the senses of the emotional beholder and the Jov- j er of true music. Atmosphere and set-; tings are admirably presented, and the i supporting cast injects just the right j amount and quality of comedy and in*! lerest into the picture. It was adapted from the Victor Herbert stage piay and is directed by W. S. Van Dyke with sensitive intuition. The story presents Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald as married and very happy in their work as stars in a Broadway musical show that has been running for six years. The only fly in the oint-

ment is- the fact that they are over-, worked, not only appearing at the[ theatre but singing over the radio, and at benefits, and as well for the records. Thus, while their families can live in care-free luxury on their earnings, the stars themselves grow tired of the ceaseless round. Frank Morgan as their manager, gives one of his delightful impersonations. harassing them to a point of irritation, so that combined with the selfish greed of the relatives, it becomes impossible to stand and they determine to cut loose and make for Hollywood and the silver-sheet. Morgan gets desperate at the thoughts of losing them, and Mischa comes to his aid with an underhand trick by means of which he poisons Jeanette’s mind against her husband. ' < y ! hink that he ; s

carrying on an intrigue with his sec-, retary, Florence Rice. She leaves him. Morgan gains nothing as they both join different travelling shows in the depths of despair until the truth is revealed and they are again united. Herman Bing with a long grouch against Mischa Auer is incomparably funny, and Gene Lockhart cashes in with a good comedy act as an erstwhile actor who thinks he is tops in imitations which he lugs in at impossible times. The scene in which Jeanette tries to a succession of the most beautiful gowns, both in design and colour scheme, will delight all who are sensitive to ah artistic combination of every k lid of hue. Her auburn hair is a joy to behold, and Nelson Eddy will inflame the feminine heart while his singing ha? never been better. * * ’ Y Y* "East Side of Heaven." a spectacular i comedy dramatic musical, introduces a | sensational baby star “Sandy” and its strong cast includes Joan Blonde)!. Bing ) Crosby Mischa Auer. C. Aubrey Smith as well as weil-known name bands and specialty artists. “After School Days’ presents Deanna Durbin in another unsophisticated role. The male lead is played by James Cummings. Charles Boyer plays opposite Irene Dunne in "Modern Cinderella.” with the renow-n i «*d John M Stahl directing "Ex- \ Champ' stars Victor Mclaglen in a virile story peculiarly suited to the talents I of this artist