L'espionne de Castille

Trailer—The Firefly

The Firefly

Jeanette MacDonald plays a Mata Hari spy for the Spanish in reversing the overthrow of the Spanish Crown by Napoleonic forces. The Production Code of 1937 keeps her dalliances with French officers as innocent, but no doubt they were anything but. It's a playful and beautiful love story between the hardened Nina and the patriotic Andre, caught up in both sides of a senseless imperial war. I never understood why Alan Jones was rejected by the studios after his amazing, virile performance in this film. No doubt he didn't understand either. He switched studios, but fared no better and went on to pursue a successful singing career. The film is full of great dialogue and great singing. The Donkey Serenade is a masterpiece of singing, editing and musical direction. I'd love to know more about that gorgeous boy who played the piccolo.

Spy-thrilla where Jeannette MacDonald must get napoleonic soldiers to reveal their secrets. Warren Williams (The Lone Wolf!) is the Major; Billy Gilbert who sneezed his way through films is the innkeeper. Douglass Dumbrille always played the bad guy, and here is the Marquis. Dance numbers, singing. It's Jeanette MacDonald, who always does operatic arias. Yawn. Pretty dated stuff. Intrigue. suspense. love triangles. It's a pretty dry period piece, which is never my first choice. Kind of a mata hari. Showing on Turner Classics. It's pretty well done, but moves pretty slowly. the songs keep bringing it to a screeching halt. I'd skip this one unless you're a fan of J. MacDonald. Directed by Robert Leonard... nominated twice, but never got the Oscar.

Instead of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, the "Singing Sweethearts" it's Jeanette MacDonald and Allan Jones. They are paired excellently; MacDonald and Jones are incredible easy on the ears, and have a wonderful chemistry that adds charm and delight to this movie. The songs are entertaining, especially "Donkey Serenade," which later became Jones's signature song. The acting in this movie was also excellent. The plot was captivating, being set in Spain/France during the Napoleonic wars. The movie kept me entertained throughout. It's too bad that Jeanette MacDonald and Allan Jones didn't do any other movies together. Their chemistry is amazing in this movie, very preferable to Jeanette MacDonald's pairing with Nelson Eddy, (I think) whose singing voice and acting I never really cared for. Overall, this is an excellent musical and entertaining movie. 10 out of 10.

is exceptional in this OK Napoleonic War film. Anyone who ever thought MacDoanld was just a bland operatic singer needs to see this film. She plays a spy posing as a camp follower. MacDonald has a sexy dance number that is just a knockout. She is as sultry and sexy as any star of her era. MacDonald was a great singer who was also a great actress and comic. She is superb. Starring here with Allan Jones and Warren William, the film is a tad long, but still eminently watchable. Jones and MacDonald introduced the big hit "Donkey Serenade" in this film. Good support from Billy Gilbert, Henry Daniell, Douglas Dumbrille, and George Zucco. Not as snappy as some of her films with Nelson Eddy, but this is Jones' best film aside from the 1936 Show Boat with Irene Dunne. Give this one a watch and marvel at Jeanette MacDonald!