In 1885, the East European kingdom of Marshovia can only survive if French-accented playboy Maurice Chevalier (as Danilo) marries American soprano Jeanette MacDonald (as Sonia). The two are mutually attracted as Ms. MacDonald mourns her deceased husband, but Mr. Chevalier doesn't know what she looks like under the traditional widow's veil. He is sent to Paris to find her and finds himself attracted to a woman who happens to be MacDonald. Pretending to be a flirty playgirl named "Fifi", MacDonald is turned on by Chevalier but turned off by his playboy manner. Love will find a way...
"The Merry Widow" was lavishly produced by MGM and directed by Ernst Lubitsch with his usual touch, but the co-stars are an acquired taste, today. Chevalier was partnered with MacDonald for her successful debut in "The Love Parade" (1929) and they made several films together. This one, their last, didn't ring up receipts at the box office like the studio anticipated. The studio had great critical and financial success with "The Merry Widow" in 1925 and some with Lana Turner's version in 1952. Still, this version can be appreciated for the results of its budget, and Mr. Lubitsch's direction.
***** The Merry Widow (10/11/34) Ernst Lubitsch ~ Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald, Edward Everett Horton, Una Merkel
"The Merry Widow" was lavishly produced by MGM and directed by Ernst Lubitsch with his usual touch, but the co-stars are an acquired taste, today. Chevalier was partnered with MacDonald for her successful debut in "The Love Parade" (1929) and they made several films together. This one, their last, didn't ring up receipts at the box office like the studio anticipated. The studio had great critical and financial success with "The Merry Widow" in 1925 and some with Lana Turner's version in 1952. Still, this version can be appreciated for the results of its budget, and Mr. Lubitsch's direction.
***** The Merry Widow (10/11/34) Ernst Lubitsch ~ Maurice Chevalier, Jeanette MacDonald, Edward Everett Horton, Una Merkel