Naughty Marietta
US (1935): Drama/Musical
Princess Marie de Namours de la Bonfain (Jeanette MacDonald) is a beautiful, young, sophisticated French princess of 23, who finds more worth in true love than a title. On the eve of her arranged marriage to a Spanish-grandee, whom she doesn't love, her maid, Marietta comes to her to say farewell. Marietta is to leave that night on a cargo ship bound for New Orleans where she is to make a new life and find a husband. Princess Marie trades places with Marietta to escape her unwanted marriage and takes on the maid's (Marietta's) identity. While sailing, the cargo ship is taken hostage by pirates, but, Captain Richard Warrington (Nelson Eddy) and his mercenaries soon come to the rescue. Captain Warrington is quickly taken by the beautiful princess (aka Marietta) and she with him. But, he has no interest in marriage and she's afraid she might be recognized. Meanwhile in France, a search and reward is out for Princess Marie's whereabouts. Princess Marie's uncle and her fiancée soon discover that she is in New Orleans and sail for America. When they arrive Princess Maria's true identity is revealed. That evening, an elegant ball is thrown in her honor. Captain Warrington learns that the Princess will be sent back that night to France, but he isn't going to let the women he loves get away that easily.
This is the movie that introduced the pair who earned the title "America's Sweethearts", Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Their singing was legendary, but this film has outstanding black and white photography, a great supporting cast that includes Elsa Lancaster, Frank Morgan, Douglas Dumbrille, Akim Tamiroff, Edward Brophy, and Harold Huber, along with a generous supply of humor to go along with the music, highlighted by "Sweet Mystery of Life." Directed by Robert Z. Leonard and W.S. Van Dyke for MGM. (Kelly, IMDb)
2 nominations, 1 Award
· Sound Recording 1935: Douglas Shearer
· Best Picture 1935: Hunt Stromberg, producer (MGM)