The Cat and the Fiddle

Moviecut—The Cat and the Fiddle

The Cat and The Fiddle is a movie best enjoyed by the baby boomer generation. The best things about this movie is the surprise ending and Jeanette MacDonald. I found the movie to have a lack-luster plot. The beautiful scenery and costumes aid in the enjoyment of the film. I always enjoy watching Frank Morgan. Jeanette MacDonald always has a beautiful voice. I think that the film would be best enjoyed as a late night film to relax one from the stresses of the day. A glass of wine is a perfect to accompany the viewing of this film. If the producer could do the ending of the film the way he did, then why didn't he do the rest of the film the same way. It would have been more enjoyable to watch like that. It was too long, too late. I give it three thumbs up.

Although seldom watched today, this romantic romp about two composers is notable for at least three reasons: First, the magnificent voice of Jeanette MacDonald, before she became famous for duets with frequent costar Nelson Eddy. Second, there is the appearance of a singing Ramon Novarro, a popular Latin-lover type in silent films. And last, the shift at the end of the film into an early use of then-innovative Technicolor. --from Musicals on the Silver Screen, American Library Association, 2013

Witty film is powered along by the energy of Ramon Novarro. His exceptional work in this film reveals his enormous talent for comedy and drama. The scene where he pretends not to love Jeanette, so she will leave him for her career, is superbly under-stated and very moving. Jeanette's not bad either but a bit too florid. Great supporting cast, especially an hilarious Charles Butterworth, and excellent direction make this a film not to miss. I hated most of the music though - hideous operetta. And don't turn the colour down - the last scene bursts into rather lurid technicolour.

This little known film is a gem for Jeanette Macdonald.I read that she does her own piano playing in this.The music is lovely and fits her voice like a glove.Also,the color ending is very good.Ramon is fine as a leading man for Jeanette.It is a charming blend of a good story,very fine acting, and singing.

Notable for three things - the MGM debut of the lovely Jeanette MacDonald; the musical ability of Ramon Novarro, at this time on his way out of films as his star began to wane; and the Technicolour finale. 'The Cat and the Fiddle' comes to the screen from the Broadway operetta, retaining most of the already-dated songs, and a plot designed to make the most of familiar character actors of the time (Charles Butterworth, Joseph Cawthorn, Jean Hersholt). It is definitely minor league stuff when you consider the musical legacy of the MGM studios, but definitely worth watching. The leads are good together and in excellent voice, and the film is funny, sparkling, and very much of its time.

This is a delightful, free-spirited musical gem from MGM. It has the feel of the risque Paramount musicals of the era. Jeanette MacDonald and Ramon Novarro are lovers who co-habitat (not an issue here!) and nurture each other in their respective musical careers. Jerome Kern's score is wonderful -- the kind of tunes that stay with you, "Try to Forget", "The Night Was Made For Love", "She Didn't Say Yes". Great dialogue and comic relief and a few emotional snarls give the film some complexity. The musical numbers are innovative and interestingly filmed -- they compliment the score. The atmosphere in Brussels is highlighted by a variety of characters in the arts community. The film has a musical fluidity. Other than the stilted staging of the 3-strip Technicolor ending, this film deserves more attention.