Volume
1: The War—and Before
traces the lives of Jeanette MacDonald and Gene Raymond, from their modest
beginnings through their meeting, marriage, and their activities during World
War II. It shows how they each worked
hard to gain worldwide fame, found love, and created an idyllic home together,
despite interference from Gene’s mother.
Always patriotic, both Raymonds gave their all during World War II, both
overseas and on the home front, but to the detriment of their marriage and
careers. The picture on the cover was
from the Raymonds’ last photo shoot before Gene was sent overseas in 1942. It was taken on the outdoor steps at their
home, Twin Gables. The book includes
photos from Jeanette and Gene’s collection and utilizes personal letters,
private documents, and various drafts of Jeanette’s unpublished autobiography.
