Jeanette Anna MacDonald was born on June 18, 1903 in the fighting city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jeanette first became a dancer, after having dance lessons as a young girl, but later turned to singing where she landed several choice roles in Broadway musicals.
With Broadway as a launch vehicle, Jeanette rapidly rose to stardom. A musical with Jeanette seemed a surefire winner at the box-office.
After making a screen test, she was finally given a contract. Her first film was nothing more than a bit part as a dancer in 1929's MAGIC RING. When THE LOVE PARADE arrived in theaters later that year, it did three things. First it made co-star Maurice Chevalier Paramount's biggest star. Second, it made Ernst Lubitsch a celebrated director and third, propelled Jeanette to stardom for her portrayal of the Queen of Sylvania. The songs were blended so very well together with the action. The film was a hit at the box-office.
Next up, in 1930, was another Lubitsch hit entitled THE VAGABOND KING which was based on R.H. Russell's novel. Again, another big hit. Paramount then filmed MONTE CARLO (1930) with Jeanette in the lead role as Countess Vera Von Conti. The movie wasn't as big a hit as planned mainly because of Jeanette's co-star, Jack Buchanan.
After six mediocre films in 1931, the next year saw Jeanette and Chevalier paired in ONE HOUR WITH YOU. Chevalier wanted his co-star to be Carole Lombard, but Lubitsch persuaded him to accept Jeanette instead. The chemistry between Jeanette and Chevalier made the movie an outstanding success. For some reason the Paramount bosses never really liked her, so she was dropped from the studio.
In 1934, Jeanette signed with MGM and paired her with Ramon Novarro in THE CAT IN THE FIDDLE. However, the next year saw her paired with Nelson Eddy which was to become the musical dream team of the 30's after Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The film in question was NAUGHTY MARIETTA. This was followed by SAN FRANCISCO (1936), THE FIREFLY (1937), and BROADWAY SERENADE (1938).
The 1940's saw Jeanette's career begin to slow a bit. She made three films in 1940, one in 1941, two in 1942, none in 1943, and one in 1944. She then wasn't given a casting call until 1948 when she played Helen Winter in THE SUN COMES UP. Her final silver screen showing was later that same year in THREE DARING DAUGHTERS. Jeanette then went into semi-retirement.
Aside from a few personal appearances and TV spots she never again entertained vast audiences. She and Nelson Eddy recorded an album of their favorite songs which was a big seller in the record shops. Afterward she lived quietly with her husband Gene Raymond.
On January 14, 1965, Jeanette passed away from a heart attack in
Houston, Texas. She was 61 years old.
Some super Jeanette MacDonald photos are below.
Jeanette Pic 1
Jeanette Pic 2
Jeanette Pic 3
Jeanette Pic 4
Jeanette Pic 5
Jeanette Pic 6
Click here to go to Anna May Wong
Let me know if you want on the mailing list. Thanks to Darryl Winston for suggesting this fine lady.
© 1998 Denny C. Jackson dejackso@iglou.com
Get your own Free Home Page
