1. What do you notice about the interaction between the characters in these two scenes? Please give specific examples.
I noticed that with the training of classical singers, I myself have studied opera for 14 years, that there is a sense of more formality which may come across as stiffness. Nelson Eddy does seem to struggle more with movement though, and Janette MacDonald seems a little more at ease. Her timing seems better and her facial expressions in the boat and her attempts at mimicking the saloon singer make her seem more warm.
2. If you have seen either or both of these actors in other films or television shows, please share your perceptions about them.
I can’t remember the names of the movies I have seen them in, but my grandmother loved to listen to and watch Nelson Eddy and Janette MacDonald. Actually I do remember one called “Naughty Marietta” where they sing, ‘Oh Sweet Mystery of Life’, and every time I hear it though, I think of Young Frankenstein….sigh….however, I do remember the costumes and exaggerated acting.
3. What do these clips tell you about the male/female relationships as they are depicted in the films during this era? What norms might you expect are supported under the Hollywood Film Code?
The male/female relationship appears to be the dominant male and the flirtatious female, where the strong male wins the damsel in distress. I think the Hollywood Film Code continued to set the stage for the female always needing to be saved by the strong male. That women took second to men.