Rating: 
Summary: Meticulously researched bio of a brilliant Hollywod star.
Review: Mr. Turk writes with both affection and authority about the life of one of the most popular Hollywood musical movie stars of the "Golden Age." His detailed research does not override the bio's pure readability. Ms. MacDonald's career was enormously successful throughout the late twenties and into the 1940's; her popularity has endured well beyond her untimely passing in 1965...all from the sheer force of an endearing personality and unparalled talent, which was never tarnished by scandal or hollow opportunism. David Lapin, credited by Mr. Turk as having introduced him to the talent of MacDonald, has noted: "Edward Baron Turk's "Hollywood Diva" is the most complete and satisfying biographical treatment of Ms. MacDonald's life and career that I have ever read; and I've followed her career for over 35 years." Accented by several lavish and rare photographs, documented by first hand interviews with colleagues and personal acquaintences who best knew Ms. MacDonald, her life story is fleshed out beyond her famous association with Nelson Eddy. The narrative spans the range of her career from her early films with costars Maurice Chevalier and Ramon Navarro to her later work with her husband and true love, Gene Raymond in 'Smilin' Through." Her earlier love interests and professional relationships with her directors and movie studio chiefs...and especially with her devoted fans, help the reader relate to Ms. MacDonald almost as a personal friend...not an untouchable Hollywood icon. Jeanete MacDonald's stage and concert career, through which her fans enjoyed her pure lyric soprano first hand, helps us understand why she was indeed a "diva" , but one which, thanks to Hollywood, everyman could appreciate.
Rating:
Summary: Meticulously researched bio of a brilliant Hollywod star.
Review: Mr. Turk writes with both affection and authority about the life of one of the most popular Hollywood musical movie stars of the "Golden Age." His detailed research does not override the bio's pure readability. Ms. MacDonald's career was enormously successful throughout the late twenties and into the 1940's; her popularity has endured well beyond her untimely passing in 1965...all from the sheer force of an endearing personality and unparalled talent, which was never tarnished by scandal or hollow opportunism. David Lapin, credited by Mr. Turk as having introduced him to the talent of MacDonald, has noted: "Edward Baron Turk's "Hollywood Diva" is the most complete and satisfying biographical treatment of Ms. MacDonald's life and career that I have ever read; and I've followed her career for over 35 years." Accented by several lavish and rare photographs, documented by first hand interviews with colleagues and personal acquaintences who best knew Ms. MacDonald, her life story is fleshed out beyond her famous association with Nelson Eddy. The narrative spans the range of her career from her early films with costars Maurice Chevalier and Ramon Navarro to her later work with her husband and true love, Gene Raymond in 'Smilin' Through." Her earlier love interests and professional relationships with her directors and movie studio chiefs...and especially with her devoted fans, help the reader relate to Ms. MacDonald almost as a personal friend...not an untouchable Hollywood icon. Jeanete MacDonald's stage and concert career, through which her fans enjoyed her pure lyric soprano first hand, helps us understand why she was indeed a "diva" , but one which, thanks to Hollywood, everyman could appreciate.
Rating: 
Summary: Failure to research material completely.
Review: No doubt Mr. Turk meant well, but when a writer of the life of someone leaves out important facts, it implies there is something to hide. Most of certain groups in hollywood during the 30s and 40s knew of Mr. Raymond's homo activities. That He was arrested on at least two occasions after being caught in certain clubs, and how poor Jeanette was nearly devestated when she learned of this after her marriage to him. Also, Jeanette was very human and very career minded. She was willing to do many things for the furthering of her career. After all, she was only human and imperfect like all of us. Even L.B.Mayer knew this. She was able to control a few men on her way up the ladder. But, when she met Nelson Eddy, he was of a different sort. The chemistry between them was very powerful on and off the screen. She and Gene stayed together, yes, as many people do, but they lived separate lives until her death. This can easily be done when couples make a show for the purpose of the public. I would recommend that Mr. Turk read "Sweethearts" by Sharon Rich. All of her sources are listed, and since she began her writing over 20 years ago, many of the people interviewed spoke over tape. Many of the close friends of Nelson, Jeanette, Gene, and Ann were still living. These along with letters and documents are proof. And lets not forget Jeanette's sister Blossem. I suggest that Mr Turk read "Sweethearts" by Sharon Rich. Then he will learn the truth. Mr. Raymond is dead now. There is no more need to try and protect his honor.
Rating:
Summary: Informative!
Review: The author's research provided me with a portrait of a singer/actress I've heard of and seen in a couple of films, but didn't really know as a person.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining, great reading.
Review: The life of Jeanette MacDonald is fascinating, from her early beginnings to her passing. Filled with inside stories of Hollywood and the great musicals, Broadway and World War II. Very entertaining and certainly attention grabbing.
Rating:
Summary: A POOR BIOGRAPHY
Review: This is one of the worst biographies to ever be put on paper! It presents MacDonald as a 'saintly' woman who could do no wrong. We are all human and so was she. She is put on a pedestal, no doubt to please her husband who we all know was a notorious homosexual who slept with another man on their wedding night. The author has chosen to sugar coat their lives and put them on a pedastal where no one can reach them. You would do better to read Sharon Rich's labor of love "Sweethearts". There you will get the real Jeanette MacDonald story as she has the evidences to back up her claims. This biography was very poorly written as well. A great injustice done to a great lady. But to be fair, the book is full of nice pictures. That will merit one star from me. Forget the rest. Read "Sweethearts" instead....you will get the REAL Jeanette MacDonald story there!
Rating:
Summary: Failure to research material completely.
Review: This is the definitive biography on one of filmdom's most luminous stars. Unlike some of the tasteless, shoddily-written, lie-packed, alleged "biographies" in the past, put out by some individuals with dubious intentions, this one is not only stylishly written, but has a credibility that frankly rings of truth. The sources are meticulously, exhaustively documented, and contrary to the claims of the anonymous, hired naysayers writing unsigned reviews, these sources can be backed up and proved. More importantly though, this book pays proper, eloquent reverence to a woman of immense means and talent; MacDonald's versatility is made manifest, as well as her clear-eyed, judicious parlaying of her long career. This entertaining, and tasteful book is a testament to an artistry, a persona, and a considerable talent, one of the 20th century's most influential purveyors of operatic music. Take the high road and make this dignified, integrity-filled tribute as the best means of fully assimilating the beguiling MacDonald persona.
Rating:
Summary: Important, authoritative and definitive bio on major star
Review: This is the definitive biography on one of filmdom's most luminous stars. Unlike some of the tasteless, shoddily-written, lie-packed, alleged "biographies" in the past, put out by some individuals with dubious intentions, this one is not only stylishly written, but has a credibility that frankly rings of truth. The sources are meticulously, exhaustively documented, and contrary to the claims of the anonymous, hired naysayers writing unsigned reviews, these sources can be backed up and proved. More importantly though, this book pays proper, eloquent reverence to a woman of immense means and talent; MacDonald's versatility is made manifest, as well as her clear-eyed, judicious parlaying of her long career. This entertaining, and tasteful book is a testament to an artistry, a persona, and a considerable talent, one of the 20th century's most influential purveyors of operatic music. Take the high road and make this dignified, integrity-filled tribute as the best means of fully assimilating the beguiling MacDonald persona.
Rating:
Summary: Important, authoritative and definitive bio on major star
Review: This is the definitive biography on one of filmdom's most luminous stars. Unlike some of the tasteless, shoddily-written, lie-packed, alleged "biographies" in the past, put out by some individuals with dubious intentions, this one is not only stylishly written, but has a credibility that frankly rings of truth. The sources are meticulously, exhaustively documented, and contrary to the claims of the anonymous, hired naysayers writing unsigned reviews, these sources can be backed up and proved. More importantly though, this book pays proper, eloquent reverence to a woman of immense means and talent; MacDonald's versatility is made manifest, as well as her clear-eyed, judicious parlaying of her long career. This entertaining, and tasteful book is a testament to an artistry, a persona, and a considerable talent, one of the 20th century's most influential purveyors of operatic music. Take the high road and make this dignified, integrity-filled tribute as the best means of fully assimilating the beguiling MacDonald persona.
Rating:
Summary: Bio of Jeanette:dictated by Gene Raymond
Review: This proports to be about Jeanette MacDonald, but in her personal life, the heavy hand and agenda of her husband, appears dominant. Denying the 30 year, off again-on again, love affair with Nelson Eddy, to preserve Mr. Raymond's reputation, is ,at best, dishonest. A long term love affair would not besmirch Ms. MacDonald's reputation; she was hardly a saint; revealing Mr. Raymond as gay would be no surprise.Perhaps, the author might consider updating his book now that Mr. Raymond is dead---he could reveal the truth and hurt no one.
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