If you have read earlier editions of this book, please note that there are revisions and additions in every chapter, over 600 pages now, more photos and more documentation!
Sweethearts:The Timeless Love Affair — On-Screen and Off — Between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, 2014 20th anniversary edition
by Sharon Rich
Publisher: Bell Harbour Press
“Sweethearts” is the true story of one of Hollywood’s greatest cover-ups: the love affair between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Known as ‘America’s Singing Sweethearts’ of the 1930s and 40s, they made eight box office hits together for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and became the most popular singing team in movie history. Rumor had it that they hated each other off-screen but the truth was that they were madly in love. Interference by studio boss Louis B. Mayer triggered a series of tragic events that caused them to self-destruct their film careers, health and ultimately their lives. Read about Jeanette’s many pregnancies by Nelson, her affair with studio boss Louis B. Mayer, her marriage to bisexual Gene Raymond (who flaunted affairs with Buddy Rogers, Robert Stack, Cesar Romero, Rock Hudson and Jan Clayton, Lassie’s mother). Nelson married a mentally unstable woman who blackmailed him into marriage, threatened to disfigure Jeanette, and vowed to go to the press with the scandal if Nelson tried to divorce her. Nelson turned to young women when he and Jeanette were at odds, and several of them have gone on record in this book for the first time. Despite all, Nelson and Jeanette had a fierce, spiritual bond and loved each other to the end. The author was a close friend of Jeanette’s older sister plus had access to a wealth of unpublished letters and memoirs.
This book was a selection of the Entertainment Book Club and the #1 Best Seller for 4 weeks at Booksurge.com (an Amazon.com company).
Reviews:
“Sweethearts is one of the finest books about Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Hollywood during the Golden Era. It is a bittersweet love story of a famous couple whose musical duets on the silver screen thrilled a generation of moviegoers. They were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the knowledge, thanks to Miss Rich, that the actors were in love off the screen, gives their films a heartbeat. Included are love letters, notes from diaries, and observations of those who kept their secret. You will enjoy every word of Sweethearts and you will find a new meaning when viewing their musicals. Then you’ll read it a second time. -Jane Ellen Wayne, Author, The Golden Guys of MGM
“Offers considerable proof they may have been secret lovers for years.” -Robert Osborne
“The star-crossed love affair of the century….The account is anything but sugar-coated. Ms. Rich’s book certainly contains much to raise the eyebrows. She names names and pulls no punches. Still, this is not a sensational expose; one comes away feeling sorry for the protagonists, and wishing that their story could have had a happier resolution….Scrupulously documented…give[s] credibility to an amazing story.” Rob Ray, Past Times
“Rich affords a long, exciting, revealing look at two of the most important screen personalities of the 1930s. Vital reading to anyone interested in film history, Hollywood, or popular culture.” Mike Tribby, Booklist
“A surprisingly interesting look at two people so wrapped up in make-believe that they began taking it seriously.” Harry Bowman, Dallas Morning News
“A bonanza for MacDonald/Eddy fans.” Kirkus Reviews
“This book rings true. It is full of flowery language (from the principals’ letters), illegitimate pregnancies, fainting spells, suicide attempts, mental breakdowns, and true romance. Fans will love it.” John Smothers, Library Journal
Sweethearts – updated 20th anniversary edition!
$32.95
Description
If you have read earlier editions of this book, please note that there are revisions and additions in every chapter, over 600 pages now, more photos and more documentation!
Sweethearts:The Timeless Love Affair — On-Screen and Off — Between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, 2014 20th anniversary edition
by Sharon Rich
Publisher: Bell Harbour Press
“Sweethearts” is the true story of one of Hollywood’s greatest cover-ups: the love affair between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Known as ‘America’s Singing Sweethearts’ of the 1930s and 40s, they made eight box office hits together for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and became the most popular singing team in movie history. Rumor had it that they hated each other off-screen but the truth was that they were madly in love. Interference by studio boss Louis B. Mayer triggered a series of tragic events that caused them to self-destruct their film careers, health and ultimately their lives. Read about Jeanette’s many pregnancies by Nelson, her affair with studio boss Louis B. Mayer, her marriage to bisexual Gene Raymond (who flaunted affairs with Buddy Rogers, Robert Stack, Cesar Romero, Rock Hudson and Jan Clayton, Lassie’s mother). Nelson married a mentally unstable woman who blackmailed him into marriage, threatened to disfigure Jeanette, and vowed to go to the press with the scandal if Nelson tried to divorce her. Nelson turned to young women when he and Jeanette were at odds, and several of them have gone on record in this book for the first time. Despite all, Nelson and Jeanette had a fierce, spiritual bond and loved each other to the end. The author was a close friend of Jeanette’s older sister plus had access to a wealth of unpublished letters and memoirs.
This book was a selection of the Entertainment Book Club and the #1 Best Seller for 4 weeks at Booksurge.com (an Amazon.com company).
Reviews:
“Sweethearts is one of the finest books about Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Hollywood during the Golden Era. It is a bittersweet love story of a famous couple whose musical duets on the silver screen thrilled a generation of moviegoers. They were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the knowledge, thanks to Miss Rich, that the actors were in love off the screen, gives their films a heartbeat. Included are love letters, notes from diaries, and observations of those who kept their secret. You will enjoy every word of Sweethearts and you will find a new meaning when viewing their musicals. Then you’ll read it a second time. -Jane Ellen Wayne, Author, The Golden Guys of MGM
“Offers considerable proof they may have been secret lovers for years.” -Robert Osborne
“The star-crossed love affair of the century….The account is anything but sugar-coated. Ms. Rich’s book certainly contains much to raise the eyebrows. She names names and pulls no punches. Still, this is not a sensational expose; one comes away feeling sorry for the protagonists, and wishing that their story could have had a happier resolution….Scrupulously documented…give[s] credibility to an amazing story.” Rob Ray, Past Times
“Rich affords a long, exciting, revealing look at two of the most important screen personalities of the 1930s. Vital reading to anyone interested in film history, Hollywood, or popular culture.” Mike Tribby, Booklist
“A surprisingly interesting look at two people so wrapped up in make-believe that they began taking it seriously.” Harry Bowman, Dallas Morning News
“A bonanza for MacDonald/Eddy fans.” Kirkus Reviews
“This book rings true. It is full of flowery language (from the principals’ letters), illegitimate pregnancies, fainting spells, suicide attempts, mental breakdowns, and true romance. Fans will love it.” John Smothers, Library Journal
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