The Firefly

My mother and I enjoy the old movies. This one is very entertaining-we’ve watched it several times. Suitable for all ages, with some unexpected humor at the old style of (over)acting.

She sings! She acts! She DANCES! What? I have long known of Jeannette MacDonald from her films with Nelson Eddy. As a singer, and an actor, I loved those old Operetta treatments, and enjoyed even the stilted (seen through today's jaded eyes) operatic treatment of works like Rose Marie, etc.So, in looking to find something for watching with the wife, I chose this, and we both were surprised. This is a WHOLE DIFFERENT Jeannette! I knew of the tenor Allan Jones, (who did a very good job with Irene Dunne in the FIRST film of "Show Boat") but the character development, the flirtatiousness, and the dancing (Jeannette had legs- who knew!?) in this film moved it far apart from the Eddy vehicles. But maybe that's why it's different. Jeannette is ACTING with Jones, she really WAS IN LOVE with Eddy.... and the Friml operetta has a stronger story line due to the studio's re-working of the plot of "Firefly." At any rate, this is a film that needs to go in a growing collection of MacDonald/Eddy cinema- just as Balalaika allowed Eddy to do multiple personalities, with a then-young Opera singer, Risē Stevens, in 'The Chocolate Soldier." Oh, and yes- the "Donkey Serenade" is catchy, cute, and kitsch... now, if only the studio had taught that filthy beggar boy to learn to really finger the recorder he was playing.....

One needs several rating scales to do this video justice. If I were rating it solely on Allan Jones' voice and performance, I'd give it a 5+. Jeannette MacDonald gets a 4 - she probably rates higher but the technology of the time made most women's voices sound shrill and squeaky. As an excellent example of the musical genre of 1930s-1950s operettas it definitely gets a 5. The overall performance gets a 4, and in judging it, one must again do so in the context of the time period in which it was filmed.All ratings aside, one must admit that most operettas of the years mentioned were pretty superficial in plot, with the standard fearless hero, dimwit heroine, and sneering villian -- who usually had the best part and was the only real actor in the cast. "Firefly" gives us a treat in that our heroine Jeannette is far more spunky and sparky than most of her ilk - she's a Spanish spy helping thwart the French invasion of Spain during the Napoleonic wars. Allan Jones is the French agent sent to trap her. After a series of encounters, betrayals, battles and general dashing about, comes the happy ending - this is, after all, an operetta.The filming and special effects are again typical of the period, and thus must be considered as good as the technology was capable of producing. It's obvious to us today that most of the time Allan Jones was singing "The Donkey Serenade" he wasn't really riding a horse but for that time period the special effects people faked it pretty well.I can't say enough for the music in this film - Rudoph Friml's score is absolutely gorgeous, and further enhanced by the singers and the sumptious orchestal background. If you really like good music performed by equally good musicians, you can't go wrong with this film. Ignore the historical inaccuracies, goofy plot, somewhat hammy performances, and inept effects - just relax, put your feet up, pet the cat, let yourself sink into that glorious music, and enjoy.

Spain vs Napolian spy movie with singing. It stars Jeanette McDonald and Allen Jones as the spies. Jeanette McDonald posing a singer dancer and gaining information from the officers of Napolian. While Allen Jones is trying to prevent her from delivering that information. Along the way the spies fall in love. It all comes down to final battle of Waterloo. Will the lovers survive the battle and get together? See this musical spy thriller to find out.

There isn't much to say about this film. Its main reason for existing is the star power of Jeanette MacDonald and Alan Jones. Judging from the reviews, Jones fans and MacDonald fans were mainly attracted by the presence of their star and didn't know all that much about the other star. The plot sounds like it could have some meat to it -- MacDonald as a Spanish spy among French and Jones as the French counterspy sent to find and trap her -- but there is no real suspense. The relationship between Jones and MacDonald develops in the usual manner with Jeanette at first scornful towards her unwanted suitor, but gradually warming up as she falls for his charm.Of course the reason to see the film is for the musical performances. Coming from the MacDonald camp, Alan Jones was just pleasant. He sang his songs in a pleasing way, but not so I would have suspected him of being a considerable star.Jeanette MacDonald had top billing and really dominated the film with her very lively singing and dancing. Ultimately the principal attraction of the film is as one of the best showcases of her great talent.

Great film and superb songs especially The Donkey Serenade, one of my all time faves. It's a shame that Allan Jones and Jeanette MacDonald didn't make more films together.

the picture is not very crisp and the should has not been up-dated - but still it was pleasant to watch and even with these faults,I still enjoyed it!,

Great value and made my father overjoyed

Obviously it is an old piece but it has its moments even if it does only run for 25 minutes. At least you can here every word the artists sing

It was all as I expected, thank you, they do not make them like that any more, mores the shame