In the 1930’s and ‘40’s Jeanette MacDonald was a movie superstar recognised and acclaimed throughout the world. The release in Hollywood of a film featuring Jeanette MacDonald with one of her stable of leading actors such as Clarke Gable, Spencer Tracey, Tyrone Power, Ramon Novarro, Maurice Chevalier and of course Nelson Eddy, was a major event, which was frequently covered by global press agencies. She was the toast of fellow artists, all the film studios, Paramount, MGM & Universal, their producers and directors, politicians, U.S. Presidents, the U.S. Army, Navy & Air Force, the media and gossip columnists and above all the film going public. Over fifty years after her death in January 1965 there is still a vibrant Jeanette MacDonald International Fan Club.
Who then was Jeanette MacDonald? A talented performer from the age of 5, vaudeville artist, Broadway Chorus Girl and Solo performer, film actress, musical, operetta, grand opera and concert singer, professional dancer, the ‘Iron Butterfly’, the ‘Lingerie Queen’ and the ’Lux Lady’, daughter, sister, wife and woman, she was all these and more, much more. She appeared in 35 live stage productions and starred in 29 films, 7 of which were nominated or received Hollywood Oscars

In the first of a three-part series, Martin Bourke will profile this remarkable woman on Saturday 14th July 2018; followed on Friday, 10th August 2018 with a profile of Nelson Eddy, her film co-star and successful opera, concert and nightclub singer.
This series will be concluded at a later date with a profile of their intertwining lives, their careers together, their screen romances and enduring friendship despite the rumour, innuendo and gossip.
These Profiles, in aid of the Kilkee Civic Trust, are presented by Martin Bourke who has given us Profiles on the composer Stephen Foster, the singers Mario Lanza, John McCormack and Richard Tauber.