Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald Flying Solo in Classic DVDs

Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald, who made eight classic movies together for MGM–from their first appearance as a duo in 1935’s Naughty Marietta to their final pairing seven years later in I Married an Angel–sometimes starred in gems for the studio on their own, and Movies Unlimited is happy to offer four exclusive titles starring the singing duo in solo performances.

The four titles, never before available in DVD, are presented in brand-new pristine prints, examined by Warner’s archival experts to insure a beautiful viewing experience. The four classic MGM musicals are:

The Sun Comes Up (1948) stars Jeanette MacDonald along with legendary cinematic collie Lassie in a fine family film, which finds the singing actress seeking solace after her son dies. She finds it with a young orphan boy and the beloved canine while on retreat in a country cabin. Lloyd Nolan, Claude Jarman, Jr. and Percy Kilbride (“Pa Kettle”) also star; songs include “If You Were Mine” and “Un Bel Di” from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

And in Three Daring Daughters (1948), Ms. MacDonald plays the divorced magazine editor mother of three girls (one of whom is played by Jane Powell) who is overstressed, needing a vacation. Her daughters decide to see her off on an ocean voyage, but also have the idea that if she’s reunited with her ex-hubby it will help her state of mind. Featuring Spanish conductor/pianist Jose Iturbi, the film offers such songs as “You Made Me Love You,” “Route 66” and “Where There’s Love.”

The Chocolate Soldier (1941) features Eddy and opera star Rise Stevens as bickering married opera singers. Eddy is jealous of Stevens and she is wary of his indiscretions. Disguising himself as a Russian guardsman to test her, Eddy soon discovers where their true love lies. Songs in this comic operetta include “Come, Come, I Love You Onl” and “My Hero.”

In 1942’s Cairo, music, wartime thrills and comedy make for entertaining cinematic bedfellows. Miss MacDonald plays a wisecracking movie star who hires Robert Young to be her butler while she’s making a movie in London. However, Young turns out to be a newspaper reporter who suspects his new employer is a Nazi spy. Ethel Waters, Reginald Owen, Dooley Wilson (of Casablanca fame) also star; musical numbers include “Avalon,” “Waiting for the Robert E. Lee” and “Home Sweet Home.” One of the comical aspects of Cairo is found in the dialogue when Robert Young asks Jeanette if she was ever in San Fransisco and she quips, “Yes, once with Gable and Tracy and the joint fell apart!”

Slated for release on September 25, 2012 from the vast library of MGM classics, these four films are made available by the Warner Archive Collection, in conjunction with Movies Unlimited.

The four titles can be purchased individually for under $20 each or together in a special limited-time-only discounted set of four for $59.99.

Now, for those Eddy/MacDonald fans out there who love all their screen work, but have a special fondness for the two together, here’s a treat; the 1936 theatrical trailer for Rose Marie: