Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy - This is Your Life - maceddy.com "Master Class" #2, June 24, 2012

This fascinating filmed "Master Class" showcases the events surrounding 1930s movie star Jeanette MacDonald being featured on a brand new Fall 1952 reality television series, "This is Your Life." Without either the show's host or the TV audience knowing it, the live show served as a personal reunion for MacDonald and her movie co-star Nelson Eddy. They made 8 films together and were off-screen lovers despite marriages to others. But by late 1952 Jeanette and Nelson were estranged both personally and professionally. Jeanette's reactions during the half-hour show are telling, first her nervousness that "he" might actually be there, her looking around trying to acting nonchalant, relaxing when someone else comes onstage - not "him," then sitting tensely once again in anticipation and finally crying when Nelson makes his appearance and holds her hand through the rest of the show. How the show came about and its poignant aftermath was written by Madeline Bayless. The talk was delivered by Linda Tolman. After the show Nelson's appearance is shown again, silent, in slow motion and then with still photos. Anyone who believes these two didn't love each other off-screen should study the footage and the expressions that flit across Jeanette's face as she tries both to hide her girlish adoration of him, and to regain her composure. For more information visit www.maceddy.com.