Our look at the TCM Archives “Garbo Silents Collection” concludes today with a look at 1928’s The Mysterious Lady, directed by Fred Niblo and based on the novel “War in the Dark” by Ludwig Wolff. Garbo stars as Tania, a character TCM describes as “a Russian spy who seduces her victims” on the back cover of the DVD set. It is true that Tania is … Continue reading The Garbo Silents Collection: The Mysterious Lady (1928)
It all begins at a masked ball — quite the romantic setting. A man (Antonio Moreno) is enjoying the party when his attention is caught by a beautiful woman (Greta Garbo). Their attraction only grows when the masks come off. It’s love at first sight for Manuel and Elena. There’s just one little problem: Elena is married, and her husband (Armand Kaliz) is no stranger. He’s a wealthy marquis, … Continue reading The Garbo Silents Collection: The Temptress (1926)
Leo von Harden (John Gilbert) and Ulrich von Eltz (Lars Hanson) are long-time pals, having grown up together and served together in the military, sharing a bunk in the barracks. As kids, they made a blood pact to ensure their undying bond. They’re such good pals they’ve even got their own “Isle of Friendship,” an island they used to row to as children, where they … Continue reading The Garbo Silents Collection: Flesh and the Devil (1927)
Irene (Greta Garbo) is a woman with a secret: she’s been having an affair on the down low with a man named André (Conrad Nagel). They’re in love, but can’t exactly let the world know, since Irene is married to a jealous man, Mr. Guarry (Anders Randolf). André is ready to take the relationship public, but Irene is hesitant. Though she is not in love with … Continue reading The Kiss (1929)
The favorite film: Ninotchka, a 1939 comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch for MGM The synopsis: Ninotchka is a stern Soviet agent, fully dedicated to her country and her work. But when she meets the suave Leon in Paris on her way to take in the sight of the Eiffel Tower (and other architectural marvels), Ninotchka finds her dedication and rigid lifestyle compromised by the prospect … Continue reading Favorite things about… Ninotchka (1939)
The Films of Greta Garbo was written by Michael Conway and Mark Ricci, the same writers of The Films of Jean Harlow, along with a third co-writer, Dion McGregor. An introduction called “The Garbo Image,” which details Garbo’s screen persona and how it was developed, was contributed by Parker Tyler. The book follows much the same formula that we saw in The Films of Jean … Continue reading TMP Reads: The Films of Greta Garbo
Anna Christie (1930): 4/5 I was very excited to finally get my hands on a copy of this film after years of reading/hearing about it. Anna Christie is famously known as the film in which Garbo talks. The movie-watching world heard her voice for the very first time when she stomped into the scene, commanding the bartender to serve her a whiskey with ginger ale … Continue reading Anna Christie (1930)
