The story features Poker Saloon owner Mary (Jeanette MacDonald) who talks like a hillbilly, walks like a cow but sings like an angel. The irony is palpable with classics like "Liebestraum" (Is Love a Dream?) and "Ave Maria" (Gounod's).
Our swashbuckler leading man Ramerez (Nelson Eddy) leads a pack of South-of-the-Border desperados to steal gold from stagecoaches and have fun in the process. As a phony Mexican bandito, Ramerez follows the Robin Hood tradition of taking from the rich to give to the Monterey mission. His bold sombrero covers his golden hair (but not his golden heart) and his mask exposes only his dark eyes, vivid without the distraction of a lipsticked mouth; a method apparently acceptable to actors of the`30s. To this, throw in Leo Carrillo as Ramerez's jolly sidekick and the transformation is believable.
Mary quickly comes to love Ramerez, believing him to be the gentlemanly Lt. Johnson assigned her as festival escort. Mary's devoted pals in the Poker Saloon genuinely love and respect her. No other woman do we see there ever, suggesting that only two kinds of women frequent bars; those like Mary who own the place and bar maids who would cheapen it. No objection to this omission from the director, but what an opportunity missed in a movie of that time..
"Alabama" (Buddy Ebsen), who hides unspoken feelings, accepts that he is not in Mary's league but loves her anyway and expects nothing.
Sheriff Rance (Walter Pidgeon) on the other hand , expects everything. He knows Mary favors Ramerez/Lt. Johnson, but continues pursuit of her heart as he pursues Ramerez into the snowy Sierras where Mary has a log cabin. She has invited Ramerez/Lt.Johnson to "suppa" in her cabin in the sky, thus the deadly triangle of trouble is now in place. Lots of crises in this movie, & not the first time Jeanette's character has to be compromised for the one she really loves.
Much here to appreciate, the buoyant festival with Ramerez leading "Seniorita, Mariachi," (Dance with Me) and an especially beautiful Jeanette, a subtle projection of inner grace, like a woman in love. A genuine love story is never too good to be true.
