New Moon (MGM, 1940). Produced and directed by Robert Z. Leonard. Based on the Sigmund Romberg operetta. Songs: "Lover, Come Back to Me," "Wanting You," "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise," "Stouthearted Men," "One Kiss," "Marianne." Cast: Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Mary Boland, George Zucco, H.B. Warner.

New Moon (1940) Staring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in their sixth film:

 

(Release Dates: USA-July 19, 1940; Sweden-Februay 4, 1941; Finland-April 13, 1941; Denmark- June 29, 1951)

 

Set just after the French Revolution, this operetta tells the story of a duke who gives up his title to further the cause of equality in his nation's colonies. Pretending to be a servant named Charles Michon, he travels by ship to New Orleans, and while on board, meets Marianne de Beaumanoir. Believing he's a naval officer, Marianne falls in love with Charles, but when his real identity is exposed after they arrive in Louisiana, she sends him away. Disillusioned and heartbroken, both leave America on separate vessels, but a sea battle and then a shipwreck brings them together again. Reunited on a remote island, they come to realize their true feelings for each other.

 

Featured songs: "One Kiss," "Wanting You," "Lover Come Back to Me," "Stouthearted Men," "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise," "Marianne," "Tavern Scene (Take a Flower)," "Gorgeous Alexander," "Funny Little Sailor Men." "Soon I Will Be Done" -- composer unknown.

 

This operetta is based on the 1928 Broadway stage production. A different film version, set in Russia, was made in 1931 starring Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett.

 

Run Time:106 min.

Category: Musicals

Produced and Directed by: Robert Z. Leonard

Screenplay: Robert Arthur and Jacques Deval (based on the operetta "The New Moon" by Sigmund Romberg, Oscar Hammerstein II, Frank Mandel and Lawrence Schwab)

Music Director: Herbert Stothart

Song Score: Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II

Choreography: Val Raset

Art Directors: Cedric Gibbons and Eddie Imazu

 

Cast: Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy,

Trevor Bardette, Mary Boland, Hillary Brooke, Cecil Cunningham, Gerald Fielding, Stanley Fields, Fred Graham, Dorothy Granger, Edward Hearn, George Irving, Claude King, Grant Mitchell, Forbes Murray, Ed O'Neill, Jack Perrin, Dick Purcell, Claire Rochelle, Ray Walker, H.B. Warner, Robert Warwick, Joe Yule, George Zucco

 

The steamboat sequences were filmed at Santa Catalina Island, California.

Additional cast: Lorraine Bridges (vocal stand-in for Jeanette MacDonald), Austin Grant (solo bits on "Stouthearted Men").

Additional credits: Marvin Stuart (assistant director), Hugh Boswell (assistant director).