The Firefly (VHS, 1992)

Something like watching Fred Astaire dance with somebody other than Ginger Rogers. The magic just ain't there.
and it shows. After 3 smash hits which forged one of cinema's greatest romantic duos, i.e., Jeanette MacDonald
and Nelson Eddy, the movie moguls decided to replace Eddy with Alan Jones. It's almost painful to witness Jones
making the most of this opportunity to achieve star status. He gives the film all he's got and sings his heart out, not
to mention his lungs, with the incredibly difficult "Donkey Serenade." Yet his heroic efforts are received with a cool disdain
by Jeanette MacDonald who seems to be thinking: "What am I doing playing opposite to this bit part actor, and where's Eddy?!"

There are many who seem to write reviews that are less favourable to this movie. However, they may be looking to see how it compares to the original stage counterpart. It does not, as all things have been changed. Only the title remains.

However, taken on its own merits, the film is delightful. The musical score by Rudolf Friml is masterful in "The Firefly". But then, Friml can be depended upon to produce some very excellent scores. This is combined with the singing by Jeanette MacDonald and Allan Jones to make a thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment. It is unusual to see Ms. MacDonald dancing, but she does so quite creditably in the beginning of the film.

Some of the songs are "Love is Like a Firefly" and "He Who Loves and Runs Away" are in this musical. Of course, its most famous song is "The Donkey Serenade".

The plot is loosely based on the period of time of the Napoleanic invasion of Spain. Jeanette MacDonald plays the part of a Spanish spy. Allan Jones appears to be a dandy who is just interested in Jeanette. Then the plot thickens.

No, it is not a heavy historical piece. Only one to be savoured for the entertainment that it was designed to be. Good music, good singing and good dancing. We hope that you enjoy this as much as we did.