Bernice Claire, a celebrated vocalist of light opera, is frequently alluded to as the trailblazer who paved the way for the illustrious Jeanette MacDonald. It was the year 1930 that marked a significant milestone in Claire's illustrious career, as she, along with the esteemed Alexander Gray, formed the operetta duo that captivated audiences through the magic of talking pictures.
Claire was born on a specific day, March 22, 1909, in the vibrant city of Oakland, situated in the state of California, USA. She was the cherished daughter of her loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Jahnigen, who instilled in her the values and principles that would shape her future.
Claire's early life was marked by a significant encounter with her teacher, the esteemed Alice Eggers, who recognized her exceptional talent and encouraged her to take the bold step of auditioning for the renowned orchestra leader, Emil Polak. This pivotal moment not only ignited Claire's passion for music but also set her on the path to a illustrious career.
In a later development, Claire's publicist fabricated a fictional relationship between Claire and the celebrated opera singer, Maria Jeritza, which further fueled the public's fascination with her life and career.
Claire's remarkable vocal talents were characterized by an exceptionally crystal-clear and unadulterated coloratura voice, permitting her to effortlessly tackle the most demanding roles in the operetta repertoire, including the esteemed "Mlle Modiste" by Victor Herbert. It was during the 1920s that Claire made the decision to relocate to the vibrant city of New York, where she would soon cross paths with the accomplished singer Alexander Gray, a seasoned performer who had previously graced the stages of the illustrious Ziegfeld Follies.
Together, Claire and Gray would co-star in a variety of operettas, including the popular and enduring "The Desert Song", a testament to their undeniable chemistry and artistic synergy on stage.
Claire, a talented individual, was approached by Gray in the year 1929 with an extraordinary proposal. Gray requested Claire's accompaniment to a screen test for the prestigious First National-Vitaphone organization.
The evaluators at First National-Vitaphone were thoroughly impressed with the duo's chemistry, leading to their simultaneous signing to the production company. This notable milestone marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership.
In the subsequent years, Gray shared the screen with the renowned actress Marilyn Miller in the captivating production of "Sunny". Meanwhile, Claire took center stage in the groundbreaking film adaptation of the popular stage play "No, No, Nanette", which premiered in 1930.
Claire, a pioneering figure in the world of filmmaking, achieved an impressive milestone within a remarkably short span of time, successfully transforming iconic stage hits into captivating screen versions.
"Mlle Modiste", a showstopper in its own right, was reimagined as "Kiss Me Again" in 1931, captivating audiences with its timeless charm.
In the same year, "Spring Is Here" burst forth, a vibrant and enchanting adaptation that transported viewers to a world of beauty and wonder.
The year 1930 was a particularly remarkable one, as Claire brought "The Song of the Flame" to life, a majestic and awe-inspiring production that left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Finally, Claire's remarkable talents were showcased in "Top Speed", a high-octane thrill ride starring the incomparable Joe E. Brown, which left audiences on the edge of their seats.
