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See Nelson Eddy’s cameo in Jeanette MacDonald’s film “Cairo”!

nelson cairo 2

Did Nelson Eddy make an appearance in the 1942 movie Cairo starring Jeanette MacDonald, Robert Young and Ethel Waters? You betcha! See the screenshots above for proof! Here’s the back story: in 1942, both stars had one project remaining under their MGM contract. Nelson, disgusted with studio head Louie B. Mayer, decided to buy out his contract instead before his last film, Lucky Star (which would have co-starred teenaged Kathryn Grayson) began production. Jeanette’s last film under her contract was the above-mentioned Cairo, a WWII spy spoof. Jeanette was initially far more upset and destabilized than Nelson by leaving the studio that had been her professional home since 1933. But director Woody Van Dyke found a way to cheer her up with one of his pranks – see the lifesize photo of Nelson hanging in the movie theater lobby during this scene with Jeanette, Robert Young and Ethel Waters.

Today in J/N History

1946 Nelson sings "My Wonder One" on his radio show...and fans wonder! The local fans in particular have observed the strained interaction between Nelson and his wife Ann during the few times she shows up at one of his radio shows. They are certain that the sensual, love-sick lyrics are for someone other than Ann Eddy...but could it be true that he still holds a torch for...Jeanette? Those who have observed Nelson's attentiveness, excitement - and wandering hands - when Jeanette is his guest star are afraid to believe it. The underlying tragedy of Nelson Eddy trapped in a loveless marriage is more than they can think with.

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