Naughty Marietta

Released in 1935, Naughty Marietta is a romantic musical comedy film directed by W.S. Van Dyke, starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The movie is based on the 1899 operetta of the same name by Sidney Jones, with a book by Otto Hauerbach. The story revolves around Countess Marietta Bagdad, a beautiful and spirited French princess who has grown tired of the strict etiquette and expectations of the royal life. To escape her predetermined fate of marrying the Count of Luxembourg, Marietta decides to disguise herself as a beautiful woman named 'Marietta' and flee to the vibrant city of New Orleans, a British colony at the time. Upon her arrival in the city, Marietta discovers that she has landed in a place vastly different from her luxurious life in France. She finds herself in the midst of the charming colonial town, surrounded by the sounds, sights, and music of the local Creole and African American culture. As 'Marietta,' the countess is determined to experience the freedom and adventure that life has to offer. Upon the advice of her new friend, the city's mayor, Jeanette is introduced to the charming lieutenant André de Villette, who is instantly smitten with her beauty and charm. Initially, André is unaware of Marietta's true identity as the French princess, and he treats her as an ordinary woman. As they spend more time together, Marietta finds herself falling for the charming lieutenant, who offers her a sense of freedom and happiness that she had never experienced before. Meanwhile, André's loyal friend, Hubert Lefebure de la Bécquerie, often known as 'Béc,' discovers Marietta's true identity and promises to keep her secret. Together, they concoct a plan to prevent André from learning of Marietta's royal status until she is ready to reveal it. However, their plan is complicated by André's growing attachment to Marietta, which eventually forces Marietta to confront the reality of her situation. As time passes, Marietta finds herself torn between her love for André and her duty to reclaim her royal status. She struggles with the constraints of her royal life, where her every move is dictated by the societal expectations and strict rules of etiquette. Meanwhile, André's friendship with his loyal friend, Béc, often leads to comedic moments as Béc provides his witty and humorous commentary on the situation. The movie's tone is primarily light-hearted and comedic, with a mix of witty dialogue, charming musical numbers, and lighthearted romance. The chemistry between the leads, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, adds to the magic of the movie, as they deliver their performances with great charm and charisma. In the end, Marietta is forced to return to France to reclaim her royal status, but not before sharing a few magical moments with André, including a beautiful waltz sequence that showcases the on-screen chemistry between the leads. The movie ends on a hopeful note, as Marietta and André exchange a look that suggests a possible future together, even if it means crossing social boundaries. Naughty Marietta is a romantic and charming movie that showcases the talents of its leads, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The film's charming musical numbers, witty dialogue, and lighthearted romance make it a delightful watch, even years after its initial release. The movie's exploration of themes such as identity, duty, and the constraints of social class adds depth to the story, making it a compelling romantic comedy that continues to captivate audiences to this day.