Question 1

Why did the original opera finale of 'Maytime' get scrapped?

Accepted Answer

The original opera finale was Act II of Puccini's 'Tosca', but after production halted and resumed in black and white, it was replaced with a fake Russian opera 'Czaritza' by Herbert Stothart to Tchaikovsky's music.

Question 2

Which film was Jeanette MacDonald's personal favorite among her own movies?

Accepted Answer

'Maytime' was Jeanette MacDonald's favorite among her films.

Question 3

How did the film version of 'Maytime' differ from the stage production?

Accepted Answer

The plot of the stage 'Maytime' is completely different from the film, and only one song ('Will You Remember?') was retained from the stage production.

Question 4

What visual effect was present in the original release prints but lost in reissues?

Accepted Answer

Original release prints had tinting for pink fruit tree blossoms in the prologue, epilogue, and carnival scene, but only black-and-white reissue prints exist on DVD and Turner Classic Movies.

Question 5

Why did 'Maytime' switch from Technicolor to black and white and recast roles?

Accepted Answer

Originally filmed in Technicolor with Paul Lukas and Frank Morgan, production halted after Irving Thalberg's death. When resumed, black and white was chosen for economy, and John Barrymore and Herman Bing replaced the unavailable actors.

Loved this film?

Share with others

Loved this film?

Share with others

Maytime

Customers also watched