Maytime

1937
Approved
2h 12m

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

1.2K

YOUR RATING

Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald in Maytime (1937)

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60 Photos

Classic Musical Drama Musical Mystery Romance

An aging opera singer looks back on her long life, including her relationships with her vocal teacher and a student.An aging opera singer looks back on her long life, including her relationships with her vocal teacher and a student.An aging opera singer looks back on her long life, including her relationships with her vocal teacher and a student.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

1.2K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 3 wins & 2 nominations total

Fanchon
(as Sig Rumann)

Walter Kingsford

Mr. Rudyard

Guy Bates Post

Louis Napoleon

Mariska Aldrich

Opera Singer
(uncredited)

Bernice Alstock

Contralto in 'Success' Montage
(voice)
(uncredited)

Nick Angelo

Tenor in 'Success' Montage
(voice)
(uncredited)

Martha Bamattre

Lady in Bar
(uncredited)

Eumenio Blanco

Cafe Patron
(uncredited)

Agostino Borgato

Student
(uncredited)

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Storyline

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Trivia
When filming began in 1936 (in color), the original opera finale was also recorded, staged and shot. This was to have been Act II of Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca", one of the few operatic works with major roles for baritone (Scarpia) and soprano as equals (Tosca). It also allowed Jeanette MacDonald to sing the famous aria "Vissi D'arte". By the time shooting recommenced in black and white, this idea was scrapped and replaced with an elaborate fake Russian opera "Czaritza" created by Herbert Stothart to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, presumably to allow for a big Duet (in "Tosca", she murders Scarpia by stabbing him through the heart!). The rewritten story of "Maytime" presumably demanded it. Sadly, the Technicolor "Tosca" sequence does not appear to have survived, which is a pity as it would have been fascinating to see MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in a major operatic sequence and in color.

Goofs
During the ball scene, Marcia Mornay sings Les filles de Cadiz by Delibes at the command of the Emperor Louis Napoleon. However, the piece was not composed until 1874, whereas Louis reigned from 1852-1870.

Crazy credits
Opening credits are shown on the water and on the bark of the trees.

Alternate versions
Originally released in Sepia Platinum for Roadshow engagements, this was a process most famously used in the Kansas portions of 'The Wizard of Oz' and the Panama jungle scenes in 'The Sea Hawk'

Connections
Edited into Cairo (1942)

Soundtracks
Now Is the Month of Maying
by Thomas Morley, was published in 1595.
Very popular with madrigal groups.
First line, with 'fa la la' refrain, sung by children in park.

User reviews50

Featured review

Don't Be Ashamed To Cry

I remember as a young teenager, I had never heard of Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy.....then one late night, Maytime was being aired on television, I watched it and after that I would never forget who Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy were! I cried my eyes out and still do every time I see this glorious film. Everything about this movie is wonderful.....costumes, supporting cast, even the story line which is usually not too strong in McDonald/Eddy films. But, oh it's the music and those voices that will enchant you. This along with "Naughty Marietta" is my favorite of the McDonald/Eddy films. It was another time and another world when this type of film was popular but even so, Maytime will continue to enthrall you, touch you and make you weep copious amounts of tears. Especially when you hear..."Sweetheart, sweetheart, sweetheart. Though our paths may sever. Through life's last faint embers, will you remember, springtime, lovetime, May". Glorious!!