The Baritone’s Corner

The Baritone!

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The Stars!

	Nelson Eddy…. is Carl Linden, a voice teacher from Vienna, who is secretly in love with his pupil, London debutante Sarah Millick. But Sarah is about to marry another man.
Jeanette MacDonald …. plays Sarah, Carl’s secret love, who is caught between her deep feelings for her teacher and her obligation to marry the suitor chosen by her family.

Love wins out!….

… when they elope on the eve of her wedding!

The Cast!

George Sanders was Baron Von Tranisch, the brutal Prussian cavalry officer with an amoral appetite for wine, women, and song….and Sarah.

George was born on July 3 rd, 1906 in St. Petersburg, Russia to English-born parents. Back home in England, he was a copywriter, chorus boy, nightclub entertainer and theater understudy. George made his U.S. film debut in the 1936 film “Lloyds of London” with another novice actor, Tyrone Power. George won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as the caustic Addison DeWitt in “All About Eve” (1950). But George is remembered most for his role as Simon Templar in “The Saint”series (1939 –1941) and the spin-off character “The Falcon” 1941-1942.

He later turned the Falcon role over to his actor brother, Tom Conway. He married two of the Gabor sisters before taking his own life in 1972 (see the Editor’s Page).

**This was George Sanders’ only MacEddy film.

Ian Hunter played Lord Shayne who believed that Sarah was his good luck charm and became her benefactor when Carl died.

Ian was born on June 13 th, 1900 in Capetown, South Africa but went to England in his teens. He served in the British Army during WWI and then went home to make his stage debut in 1919 and his film debut in 1924. He left British films for a career in Hollywood in 1934 but went back to England to serve again in WWII after making over 100 films on both sides of the Atlantic. Ian Hunter died in London on September 23rd, 1975 at age 75.

** Ian Hunter made 3 MacEddy films. He was also in “Broadway Serenade” (1939) and “Smilin’ Through” (1941) both with Jeanette.

Felix Bressart had the role of Max, one of Carl’s cronies who finds a unique way they can all sing for their supper!

Felix was born in Eydtkuhnen, East Prussia (now Chernyshevska, Russia) on March 2 nd, 1892 and made both his stage debut (1914) and film debut (1928) there before fleeing the Nazis in 1936. His American film debut was in “Swanee River” with Don Ameche in 1939. Felix made 67 films before his death from leukemia on March 17 th, 1949 during the filming of “My Friend Irma”. He was replaced by Hans Conreid. Felix Bressart was 57 years old.

** This was the only MacEddy film for Felix Bressart.

Curt Bois was Ernst, the second of Carl’s cronies who helped pawn the apartment furniture for a party and a unique wedding present.

Curt was born in Berlin, Germany on April 5th, 1901 and began his career on the stage at 7 years old. He worked with Max Reinhardt and appeared in over 25 German films. Curt left Germany to escape Hitler in 1933 and made his Broadway debut in 1934. His first U.S. film was “Tovarich” in 1937 but his most memorable role was that of the pickpocket in “Casablanca” (1942). Curt returned to Germany in 1950 where he continued to act and direct in films and television. He died there on Christmas Day, 1991 at the age of 90.

** This was Curt’s only MacEddy movie.

Edward Ashley had the role of fussy, imperious Harry Coventry, Sarah’s intended, who was left holding the ring!

Edward was born Edward Ashley Cooper to English parents in Australia. He became a leading man in British films in the 1930s, dropping Cooper from his name to eliminate confusion with another British actor. His entrance into Hollywood movies was relegated to secondary or supporting roles beginning with “Pride and Prejudice” (1940)

** This was Ashley’s only MacEddy picture.

Diana Lewis was Jane, the covetous belle of the engagement ball with her eye on Sarah’s beau and her arms open when he was dumped.

Diana was born on September 18th, 1919 in Ashbury Park, New Jersey, the daughter of vaudevillians. She made her screen debut in “It’s A Gift” (1934) with W. C. Fields but her best role was as the heroine in “Go West” (1940) with the Marx Brothers. Diana retired from the screen in 1943 when she became Mrs. William Powell, a marriage that lasted until his death in 1984. Diana died on January 18 th, 1997 of pancreatic cancer. She was 77.

** This was the only MacEddy film for Diana Lewis.

Veda Ann Borg played Manon, the cabaret singer who had Von Transich where she wanted him until Sarah came along!

Veda Ann was born on January 11 th, 1915 in Boston, Massachusetts and went on to a successful career as a new York model. A contract with Paramount Studios took her to Hollywood where she made her film debut in “Three Cheers for Love” (1936). In 1939 she was involved in a automobile crash and had to have her face completely reconstructed with plastic surgery. Her last role, as blind Nell in “The Alamo” (1960) was one of her best. Veda Ann Borg died on August 16 th, 1973 of cancer. She was 58.

** Veda Ann made two MacEddy films. She was also in “I Married An Angel”

(1942) as one of Willie’s morning ladies.

Others in the cast…..

Herman Bing (1889-1947) played the grocer with chickens to sell and a daughter who needed a lot of help. Bing was in 6 MacEddy films.(see past issues)

Lynne Carver (1909-1955) was Sarah’s best friend, Dolly, who was delighted with the elopement. Lynne was in one other MacEddy picture… “Maytime” (1937).

Sig Ruman (1884-1967) plays Herr Schlicht who owned the Vienna Café and hired Sarah to sing as a favor to the Baron. He has played in one other MacEddy film…”Maytime” (1937).

Fay Holden (1893-1973) was Sarah’s mother who was so intent on getting her married off to he son of her best friend. Fay was also Jeanette’s hairdresser in “Sweethearts”.

The Director!
Why Woody, of course!

W. S. Van Dyke II (1889-1942) directed 6 of the MacEddy movies. But, more than that, “Woody” was one of the best friends Nelson and Jeanette ever had. For more on “One-Shot Woody” see the last .issue.

Scenes from the film…!