Mac/Eddy Today
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mac/Eddy Today | |
|---|---|
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| Editor | Sharon Rich |
| Categories | Celebrity, Hollywood, Opera Singers, Superstar (Celebrity) |
| Frequency | Tri-yearly |
| First issue | September 1977 |
| Company | Mac/Eddy Club |
| Country |  United States |
| Language | English |
| Website | www.maceddy.com |
| ISSN | 0891-527X |
Mac/Eddy Today is the collectible, glossy magazine devoted to the lives and careers of 1930s movie stars Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Published since 1977 by the Mac/Eddy Club, Mac/Eddy Today has been called "The most beautiful magazine of its kind" by Elayne Blythe, founder of the Film Advisory Board. The People's Almanac #3 by David Wallechinsky and Irving Wallace featured Mac/Eddy Today as one of the country's most "unusual and specialized magazines." The photo-filled magazine is more than a fan publication. It documents years of research with candid eyewitness accounts from co-stars, fans, friends, lovers and family. Included are transcripts of sometimes controversial interviews with many of the sources quoted in the biography of the screen duo, Sweethearts: The Timeless Love Affair Onscreen and Off Between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, by Sharon Rich.
Many issues from #50 on upwards are still in print. In 2006 the earlier issues #1-49 were reissued in twelve book compilations (see below). Each book is compiled of four magazines, each reproduced with their original color covers. Editor Sharon Rich wrote new introductions to each Volume, correcting and/or updating early research, and providing additional information withheld at the time the original magazines were published - generally because of confidentiality issues.
As of 2007, 68 issues have been published. Rich is still actively interviewing people with information about the careers or personal lives of MacDonald and Eddy and encourages anyone with a story to tell to come forward (if confidentiality is requested, it will be honored). Contact information for those with information is maceddyclub@aol.com.
[edit] Book Compilations
VOLUME 1: (Issues 1-5) covers the early years, their lives and careers pre-MGM; NAUGHTY MARIETTA (1935), the details behind the filming of their first film together; ROSE MARIE (1936); their engagement and break-up; Nelson’s 1936 concert tour, Jeanette in SAN FRANCISCO (1936), her “feud” with Clark Gable; the first Technicolor MAYTIME (1936) co-starring Frank Morgan and Paul Lukas.
VOLUME 2: (Issues 6-9) covers the second MAYTIME (1937) that we know today, co-starring John Barrymore; THE FIREFLY (Jeanette, Allan Jones, 1937), ROSALIE (Nelson, Eleanor Powell, 1937); Jeanette’s wedding and pictures of unsmiling Nelson at the ceremony; their first — and troubled — film together after her marriage, THE GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST (1938).
VOLUME 3: (Issues 10-13) covers SWEETHEARTS (1938); Jeanette’s pregnancy by Nelson, the miscarriage and her break-up with Nelson, resulting in his elopement with Ann Franklin. The truth about his marriage and Jeanette’s reaction; their 1939 films: LET FREEDOM RING (Nelson, Virginia Bruce); BROADWAY SERENADE (Jeanette, Lew Ayres); BALALAIKA (Nelson, Ilona Massey). Also, the fascinating Miliza Korjus interview and what she knew about the relationship.
VOLUME 4: (Issues 14-17) covers their first film after Nelson’s marriage, NEW MOON (1940). The original version was directed by Woody Van Dyke and co-starred Buster Keaton. Then Robert Z. Leonard took over as director, and the supporting cast and script were changed. Examples show the altered script and photos of several deleted scenes. Also, BITTERSWEET (1940), and why Noel Coward “disowned” the film; THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (Nelson, Rise Stevens, 1941); SMILIN’ THROUGH (Jeanette, Gene Raymond, 1941).
VOLUME 5: (Issues 18-21) covers I MARRIED AN ANGEL (1942), including scenes that were cut from the final print, rare wardrobe test shots, the blow-up with Louis B. Mayer and the real reason the team left MGM. Also, a pictorial tribute to Woody Van Dyke, their director, friend and confidant who died in 1943 after directing Jeanette in CAIRO (1942). Nelson and Jeanette officiated at his funeral, and sang. It was the end of an era.
VOLUME 6: (Issues 22-25) covers PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Nelson, Susanna Foster, Claude Rains, 1943); Jeanette joins Nelson at Universal for FOLLOW THE BOYS (1944) with hopes that they will do a film together at that studio; KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY (Nelson, Constance Dowling, Shelley Winters, 1944). Also, the two-part Susanna Foster and Frank Laric interviews; the war years and Jeanette’s opera career.
VOLUME 7: (Issues 26-29) covers NORTHWEST OUTPOST (Nelson, Ilona Massey, 1947); THREE DARING DAUGHTERS (Jeanette, Jose Iturbi, Jane Powell, 1948); THE SUN COMES UP (Jeanette, Lassie, 1948); Jeanette’s heart attack; Nelson on the Kraft Music Hall; their career slumps, thwarted joint film projects, and private and professional break-up in the late 1940s.
VOLUME 8: (Issues 30-33) The aftermath of the break-up and starting new careers in 1950. Also, I MARRIED AN ANGEL revisited; Nelson’s pre-film operatic career including reviews and interviews; SAN FRANCISCO and complete newspaper coverage of the 1984 battle to change that city’s official song; interviews with Betty Jaynes (SWEETHEARTS co-star) and Lawrence Tibbett, Jr., in which he confirms the Gene Raymond research findings, and discusses his dad’s and Nelson’s WWII spy work.
VOLUME 9: (Issues 34-37) covers the complete story behind MGM’s first Technicolor film, the “lost” MAYTIME, and why it was only 3/4 completed. Includes rare candids, scenes and wardrobe shots, with Nelson aging from a teen through old age; and most rare: the second act of “Tosca” with Jeanette as Tosca and Nelson as Scarpia. Also, the early ‘50s; their careers and personal crises; interview with Herbert Gahagan, set designer on THE GUARDSMAN (Jeanette, Gene Raymond, 1950); photo feature: LET’S GO NATIVE (Jeanette, Jack Oakie, Kay Francis, 1930); interview with Rise Stevens.
VOLUME 10: (Issues 38-41) covers the inside story behind the 1952 “This is Your Life;” Jeanette is a surprise guest and cries when Nelson comes onstage. The ‘50s, their personal/professional reunion; Nelson’s paintings; the television years; the death of Nelson’s mother, Isabel Eddy, including her hand-written will. Photo features: NAUGHTY MARIETTA revisited; Jeanette’s early films: THE LOTTERY BRIDE (1930); OH, FOR A MAN (R. Denny, Bela Lugosi, 1930), PARAMOUNT ON PARADE (1930), DON’T BET ON WOMEN (1930). Also, interview with opera great Rose Bampton about Nelson; Jeanette and Nelson’s spiritual beliefs including an article by Nelson; interview with famed New York psychic Phyllis Woodbury, who consulted with Jeanette shortly before her death and Jeanette confirmed her lifelong relationship with Nelson.
VOLUME 11: (Issues 42-45) covers the 1960s; ROSE MARIE revisited; celebrity interview with Miles Krueger and also protégé of Nelson’s; Jeanette/Nelson concert diaries; pictorial tributes: ANNABELLE’S AFFAIRS (Jeanette, 1931); Jeanette’s final days and death; reproductions and excerpts from her will; pictorial tribute, Nelson interview; Nelson’s final days and death, reproductions and excerpts from his will.
VOLUME 12: (Issues 46-49) covers the real MacDonald/Eddy feud and the crisis of 1945; book reviews, new photo features on NAUGHTY MARIETTA and ROSE MARIE, photo features: LOVE ME TONIGHT and ONE HOUR WITH YOU (Jeanette and Maurice Chevalier, both 1932); celebrity interview with Al Caiazza (the boy in PRIMA DONNA with Jeanette); why they never had children together; the story of Jon Eddy.
[edit] List of Single Issues
1: The Early Years, their lives and careers pre-MGM.
2: NAUGHTY MARIETTA, the details behind the filming.
3: ROSE MARIE; their engagement and break-up.
4: Nelson’s 1936 concert tour, Jeanette in SAN FRANCISCO, her “feud” with Clark Gable.
5: The first Technicolor MAYTIME (1936, co-starring Frank Morgan, Paul Lucas, with Tosca duet.
6: The second MAYTIME, part 1.
7: The second MAYTIME, part 2.
8 & 9 (double issue): THE FIREFLY (Jeanette, Allan Jones, 1937), ROSALIE (Nelson, Eleanor Powell, 1937); Jeanette’s marriage; GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST.
10: SWEETHEARTS, part 1; Jeanette’s second pregnancy by Nelson.
11: SWEETHEARTS, part 2; Jeanette’s miscarriage and break-up with Nelson.
12: LET FREEDOM RING (Nelson, Virginia Bruce,’39); BROADWAY SERENADE (Jeanette, Lew Ayres,’39); the truth about Nelson’s marriage.
13: BALALAIKA (Nelson, Ilona Massey, 1939), Miliza Korjus interview, Jeanette’s reaction to Nelson’s marriage.
14: NEW MOON, part 1; the original film directed by Woody Van Dyke, co-starring Buster Keaton.
15: NEW MOON, part 2; Robert Z. Leonard takes over as director and changes cast and script.
16: BITTERSWEET, and why Noel Coward “disowned” the film.
17: THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (Nelson, Rise Stevens, 1941); SMILIN’ THROUGH (Jeanette/Gene Raymond, 1941).
18: I MARRIED AN ANGEL, part 1; photos of the scenes that were cut from the final print.
19: I MARRIED AN ANGEL, part 2.
20: I MARRIED AN ANGEL, part 3, and the real reason the team left MGM.
21: Pictorial tribute to Woody Van Dyke, their director and friend who died in 1943.
22: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Nelson, Susanna Foster, Claude Rains, 1943); FOLLOW THE BOYS (Jeanette, 1944); and part 1 of the Susanna Foster interview.
23: KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY (Nelson, C. Dowling, Shelley Winters, 1944); Jeanette’s opera career; Susanna Foster interview, part 2.
24: The War Years, part 1; Jeanette’s breakdown, Frank Laric interview, part 1.
25: The War Years, part 2; Frank Laric interview, part 2.
26: NORTHWEST OUTPOST (Nelson, Ilona Massey, 1947); Jeanette’s career indecision.
27: Their professional post-war slump; THREE DARING DAUGHTERS (Jeanette, Jose Iturbi, Jane Powell, 1948).
28: THE SUN COMES UP (Jeanette, Lassie, 1948); Jeanette’s heart attack; with Nelson on Kraft Music Hall.
29: The late 40s; their private and professional break-up.
30: The aftermath of the break-up; I MARRIED AN ANGEL revisited.
31: Nelson’s pre-film operatic career including reviews and interviews; SAN FRANCISCO and complete newspaper coverage of the 1984 battle to change that city’s official song.
32: Nelson and Jeanette candid photo feature; interview with Betty Jaynes (SWEETHEARTS co-star).
33: Starting new careers in 1950; interview with Lawrence Tibbett, Jr.
34: The complete story behind MGM’s first Technicolor film, the “lost” MAYTIME, and why it was only 3/4 completed. Includes rare wardrobe shots, with Nelson aging from a teen through old age; Jeanette’s pregnancies.
35: On the set “candid” shots detailing the filming of the “lost” MAYTIME.
36: Scenes from the first MAYTIME, with plot and scene shots, including the second act of Tosca with Jeanette as Tosca and Nelson as Scarpia; also an interview with Rise Stevens.
37: The early ‘50s; their careers and personal crises; interview with Herbert Gahagan, set designer on THE GUARDSMAN (starring Jeanette, Gene Raymond, ‘50); LET’S GO NATIVE (Jeanette, Jack Oakie, Kay Francis, 1930).
38: The inside story behind the 1952 “This is Your Life;” photo features: NAUGHTY MARIETTA and THE LOTTERY BRIDE (Jeanette,1930).
39: The ‘50s, a sample of Nelson’s paintings, photo feature: OH, FOR A MAN (Jeanette, Reginald Denny, Bela Lugosi,’30).
40: Jeanette and Nelson’s spiritual beliefs, including an article by Nelson; interview with psychic Phyllis Woodbury, who consulted with Jeanette before her death; photo feature on PARAMOUNT ON PARADE (Jeanette, 1930).
41: The television years; the death of Nelson’s mother, Isabel Eddy, including her hand-written will; interview with opera great Rose Bampton; photo feature on DON’T BET ON WOMEN (Jeanette, Edmund Lowe, 1930).
42: The 1960s; ROSE MARIE revisited; celebrity interview with Miles Krueger, J/N Diaries, part 1.
43: The 1960s, part 2 of J/N Diaries; celebrity interview with Norma Nelson, a protege of Nelson’s.
44: Jeanette’s final days and death; excerpts from her will; pictorial tribute, Nelson interview.
45: Nelson’s final days and death, excerpts from his will; pictorial tribute, ANNABELLE’S AFFAIRS (Jeanette, 1931).
46: The Real MacDonald/Eddy Feud and the crisis of 1945; book reviews, photo feature on NAUGHTY MARIETTA, celebrity interview with Al Caiazza (the boy in PRIMA DONNA with Jeanette).
47: Why they never had children together. Club news around the world; photo feature on ROSE MARIE.
48: The story of Jon Eddy, photo feature: LOVE ME TONIGHT (Jeanette, Maurice Chevalier, 1932)
49: Questions & Answers: Jeanette’s true birthdate, the truth about their marriages; photo feature on ONE HOUR WITH YOU (Jeanette, Maurice Chevalier, 1932).
50: “All Stars Don’t Spangle,” a movie treatment by Nelson for himself and Jeanette; CAT & THE FIDDLE (J., Ramon Novarro, 1933).
51: Outtakes from “Sweethearts” (the book); Jeanette: Hats; article by Lippe’s voice student, Nelson’s scrapbooks.
52: NAUGHTY MARIETTA 60th birthday tribute; Jeanette’s will; Jeanette and Nelson: Saints or Sinners?
53: Nelson and Lina Basquette: the real story; Review of recent Jeanette CDs; Nelson’s will.
54: Photo features on THE FIREFLY and KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY; a TV script by Nelson; interview with Susan Nelson , Jeanette’s nurse at UCLA Medical Center, part one).
55: Photo features on GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST, Susan Nelson interview, part two, Jeanette’s infamous “Special Recordings” for Nelson, more Nelson scrapbooks.
56: “Czaritza” translation; photo features on ROSALIE & BROADWAY SERENADE; interview: Peggy Seo (The King & I).
57: Article on their mothers; Anna MacDonald’s will; photo features: LET FREEDOM RING & SAN FRANCISCO.
58: Contemporary insider write-ups about incidents during Jeanette and Nelson’s concert days; photo features on NORTHWEST OUTPOST and SMILIN’ THROUGH including a photo of Nelson on the set with Jeanette.
59: The mystery of Jeanette’s unpublished autobiography, includes xeroxed pages with Jeanette’s corrections and notations on the manuscript; more of Nelson’s scrapbooks with photos, clippings.
60: Special tribute to Lake Tahoe where ROSE MARIE was filmed, including photo feature from the film and locations as they look today; interviews with those who remember the filming, etc.
61: Pictorial tribute to MAYTIME’s 60th anniversary, also ROSALIE and THE FIREFLY. Plus an article on the significance of the year 1937 in their lives. More of Nelson’s scrapbooks.
62: Gene Raymond legacy, Jeanette/Gene marriage, K.T. Ernshaw revealing interview re: her long-term affair w/Nelson.
63: Articles re: new books, Turk’s MacDonald biography, updated edition of Sweethearts, Nelson Eddy: The Opera Years, Jeanette MacDonald: The Irving Stone Letters, additional K.T. Ernshaw interview.
64: Jeanette centennial issue; her contribution to history, pictorial tribute; new Peggy Seo article re: The King & I. Nelson Eddy Drive dedication, a visit to “Mists” with photos; Nelson nightclub “Desert Song” skit with his written comments.
65: Nelson centennial issue; his contribution to history; pictorial tribute; Jeanette at home photo gallery; tribute to Dorothy Dillard and the story behind the Isabel Eddy letters.
66: Naughty Marietta 70th Anniversary Tribute, 1957 interview with Louis B. Mayer, Nelson concert diary 1949
67: Rose Marie 70th Anniversary Tribute, feature on Woody Van Dyke, his lost 1928 journal, his own writings on how to direct, more Nelson concert diary 1949
68: The genealogy issue: The most complete and up-to-date information on their various family trees back to the 1600s. Discussion of Nelson's relation to President Martin Van Buren, the birthdate on Isabel Eddy's grave and the mystery surrounding Jeanette's paternal grandmother, Jeanette Johnstone. Plus, an interview with one of Nelson's Kendrick cousins, George Hoge. Also Nelson's 1949 concert diary, final chapter.
