The #1 best selling book of 1910 was tentatively planned as a comeback film at MGM for Jeanette and Nelson in 1948. The story was perfect for them, with middle-aged lovers that also sang, in a Jane Eyre plot. Along with the original novel, Sharon Rich has added an introduction about the author, Florence L. Barclay, as well as documentation regarding the Jeanette MacDonald-Nelson Eddy connection. In 1948, Jeanette and Nelson were both on separate concert tours but discussing the novel back and forth in letters. These are quoted from as well, as the two stars found great irony in the plot line and their own lives.
Review
“The Rosary is from a very different world to the one we know now. It is a well written, gentle book that sucks the reader in until the very last page. It would have made an ideal vehicle for a Mac/Eddy film as Nelson Eddy originally planned. The forward by Sharon Rich with comments by Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy add poignancy to the story as it was so close to their own. Highly recommended.”
“What a wonderful book. The forward of letters written by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy prove what a great love they had for each other. Thank you, Sharon, for this introduction. This book mimics their lives, the mistakes, the passionate times, and the everlasting love of two wonderful people, who both died too early.”
“Too bad they didn’t make a movie of this one. It was so similar to their own lives. Beautiful & loving story.”