Actor Gabriel Bryne Disses Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald
I generally do not like to post negative comments about Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Goodness knows that they are camped up and made fun of enough without our contributing to it!
However, because the Wall Street Journal ran this interview with Gabriel Bryne, who is starring in a semi-staged concert version of Camelot, this mention of Jeanette and Nelson has been read by many.
Hopefully the old adage of “any publicity is better than no publicity” works here – and at least they spelled their names correctly! 🙂
Gabriel Byrne’s quote:
“I’m not required to be Plácido Domingo,” Mr. Byrne said. “But I do have to work with trumpets and violins and drums. And I’ve never been sung to before, except by my mother, in an unself-conscious way. My idea of musical acting had always been Nelson Eddy and Jeannette MacDonald, in the movies, giving each other those amazingly fake looks. I hoped I wouldn’t have to do that! When I look into Marin’s face and hear that incredible voice coming at me, I find that very moving.”
Hmm…methinks we should send Mr. Byrne a copy of Maytime to watch, what do you think?
February 17, 2010 @ 5:26 am
Sounds like by mentioning them, he tried to say he was up to their class.
To paraphrase Jack Benny, an actor bragged when he’s insecure.
A classy person makes fun of himself, an insecure low class person denigrates others to feel superior.