Book Description

"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 secretly engaged in the summer of 1935 while filming their famous "Mountie" movie, "Rose Marie." 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. The author was a close friend of MacDonald's older sister (actress Blossom Rock) plus had access to a wealth of unpublished letters, eyewitness accounts, diary entries, love letters and the unfinished memoirs of both Jeanette MacDonald and Isabel Eddy, Nelson's mother. Rich also interviewed over 200 co-stars, co-workers, family and friends. Included among her more famous sources were MGM stars Rise Stevens and Miliza Korjus, opera stars Rose Bampton, Helen Jepson and Theodor Uppman, MGM co-workers William Tuttle and Fred Phillips, and U.S. Senate Chaplain Richard Halverson who, in his youth, was MacDonald's butler/chauffeur. This is a completely rewritten and updated version of the 1994 edition, including an additional chapter, new information in every chapter, more photos and over 50 pages of source notes. "Sweethearts" was a selection of the Entertainment Book Club and the #1 Best Seller on Booksurge.com for 4 weeks in March 2002. Reviews: "Offers considerable proof they may have been secret lovers for years." Robert Osborne "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 "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"