Entertainment Weekly’s “50 sexiest movies ever” omits “Maytime” starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy
In this week’s issue of the magazine Entertainment Weekly (#1023, November 28, 2008), the lead story is “The 50 sexiest movies ever.” The films that were chosen include many recent ones such as Titanic, Ghost and The Notebook, and a few classic titles like Notorious, King Kong and The Postman Always Rings Twice.
Because they are ONLY featuring films available on DVD, we’re sure this is the only reason that they overlooked Maytime, the 1937 hit starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. It was the highest grossing film of that year and it wasn’t a musical per se – but rather, a drama in which the two stars were singers. They made love with their singing, visualizing the unspoken longing that tortured them for the second half of the film. It culminated in the climax – their finally losing control while reunited in a live opera, “Czaritza.”
That ten-minute sequence is one of the most chilling, thrilling and sensuous romantic moments in all cinema history.
Previously we ran a comparison of Maytime and Titanic, because the two films have many similarities besides the fact that they were each their year’s top grossing film! You can read about it here.
So, we say, don’t forget Maytime! How about if you add your 2c worth to this by posting your thoughts on Entertainment Weekly’s website link devoted to their “50 sexiest movies ever.” The link is: http://www.ew.com/sexydvds. Your comments are much appreciated!
November 22, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Maytime is one of the best MacDonald and Eddy films. It has every aspect that makes for a good picture and the final musical scene is a fantastic show of capability of both actors and singers.
Love is implied there, I would say “shown” and with love, every feeling and physical demonstrated that goes with it can easly be implied.
Nelson Tolipan – Rio de Janeiro -Brasil
November 23, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
I can’t believe you don’t consider Maytime as one of the sexiest movies of all time. You can turn down the sound and see the love and the body movement, filled with increditable passion. The acting and music sung by this fabulous pair left a lasting love for those who have been lucky enough to experience their talent,and their obvious unending commitment to their audience.
How incredible that at their time they could show love to its fullest and keep their clothes on.
November 24, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
I am disappointed that Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy’s “Maytime” was not included on the 50 sexiest movies list. I have seen many movies in my lifetime but none stayed with me like this movie. There is a 10 minute opera scene that is the most sensuous, romantic and thrilling love scene I have ever seen. You missed a good one and the opportunity to let people know that the oldies are still right up there in every category.
November 30, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
I agree with the persons who previously commented, and I think that there are more and better ways to convey “sexyness” other than showing a lot of skin. I think I have seen this for sale as a dvd from Turner Classic Movies (TCM) at their web site; however, it may not be out on DVD yet–only on VHS. MH