Complete credited cast: | |||
Jeanette MacDonald | ... | Marcia Mornay | |
Nelson Eddy | ... | Paul Allison | |
John Barrymore | ... | Nicolai Nazaroff | |
Herman Bing | ... | August Archipenko | |
Tom Brown | ... | Kip Stuart | |
Lynne Carver | ... | Barbara Roberts | |
Rafaela Ottiano | ... | Ellen | |
Charles Judels | ... | Cabby | |
Paul Porcasi | ... | Trentini | |
Sig Ruman | ... | Fanchon (as Sig Rumann) | |
Walter Kingsford | ... | Mr. Rudyard | |
Guy Bates Post | ... | Louis Napoleon |
An elderly Miss Morrison recounts her life as the once young and beautiful opera singer Marcia Morney-then the toast of Napoleon III's Paris. One evening, she encounters an American voice student, Paul Allison, and the two unexpectedly fall in love. Unfortunately for her, she has already accepted the marriage proposal of her mentor, Nicolai Nazaroff-more out of obligation than any feeling of love for him. As a result, she breaks off her relationship with Paul, and reluctantly marries Nicolai. After 7 years of marriage, Nicolai sets up Marcia for an engagement performance in the United States of the opera "Tsaritsa". Nicolai signs up Paul as her leading partner, not knowing of Marcia and Paul's past. When he realizes what he has done, Nicolai becomes enraged with jealousy... Written by Kelly
Because there was nothing suitable in the opera repertoire for a baritone and a soprano to sing together! And Romberg's music wasn't used because it was too expensive; practically everything in the film score was in public domain or composed for the film. Likewise, filming in color was nixed in a cost-cutting move (though, frankly, I can't imagine how this film could be any better in color!) Movie-making is all and always about compromise.
A little research into Herbert Stothart's tonal plan for this film will help you understand it better, if understanding the technicalities will help you appreciate it more. But just enjoy "Maytime" for what it is, not what it isn't. A lovely, opulent, romance treasure. Don't be afraid to like it!