The Painted Veil (1934).

The Painted Veil (1934). Directed by Ryszard Bolesławski. Cast: Greta Garbo Herbert Marshall, Warner Oland and Jean Hersholt.

After her sister Olga gets married, Katrin, the daughter of an Austrian medical professor, dreams of leaving her boring life in, Austria. When Dr. Walter Fane, a British bacteriologist, asks her to marry him and move to Hong Kong, she jumps at the chance, even though she does not love him.

After Walter, becomes involved in his medical work and does not have much time for his new wife, is when unhappily married Jack shows Katrin, all the popular city's land marks and Jack finds the opportunity to kiss her. Katrin, shocked by his actions still agrees to go with him to watch dancers performing at a Buddhist festival. Jack tells Katrin, that he is love with her and Katrin tells him that she is not in love with her husband.



Later, Katrin tells Walter that she is tired of him not being home very much. Walter comes home early the next day, but finds Katrin's bedroom door locked and Jack's hat on a table. That evening, Walter confronts Katrin and she admits that she is in love with Jack. Heartbroken, Walter tells Katrin, that he will give her a divorce only if Jack promises in writing that he will divorce his wife and marry her. When Katrin goes to Jack, with the terms he tells her that a divorce would ruin his life and breaks off the affair.

Heartbroken, Katrin travels with Walter to China, where a cholera epidemic has broken out. While Walter, tries to get the epidemic under control, Katrin grows more and more depressed. He tells her that he still loves her, but will send her back to Hong Kong. She tells him that she now knows what a good man he is and that she's ashamed of having betrayed him.

It is not long before, Jack realizes his is still in love with Katrin and leaves Hong Kong for to find Katrin. Walter, returns from the village after ordering it to be burned to stop the spread of the disease. He is happy to find that Katrin, was still there helping the children at the orphanage. Walter, is stabbed by villagers angry over having their houses burned and Katrin rushes to his side. Katrin, is confronted by Jack. Who will Katrin, decide to live the rest of her life with?

"The Painted Veil." Is a very moving love story. The score and cinematography and the Asian sets were beautiful.

Herbert Marshall (23 May 1890 – 22 January 1966). The actor spent many years playing romantic leads opposite such stars as Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich and Bette Davis, and starring in classics: Trouble in Paradise (1932), The Little Foxes (1941), and The Razor's Edge (1946). He was featured in both the 1929 and the more famous 1940 version of The Letter, first as the murdered lover, then the wronged husband. He starred in a popular radio series, The Man Called X, in which he played a globe-trotting "American" spy with an English accent.

He was married five times. Among his wives were two actresses, Edna Best, with whom he appeared in The Calendar, Michael and Mary and The Faithful Heart, and Boots Mallory, to whom he was married from 1947 until her death in 1958.

“The Kiss” 1929

“The Kiss” (1929) is a silent romantic drama starring Greta Garbo, Conrad Nagel, Anders Randolf, and Lew Ayres. Directed by Jacques Feyder, this film was Garbo’s last silent film and Lew Ayres’ first major screen role.

In this film, Garbo plays Irene Guarry, a young woman unhappily married to an older man, Charles Guarry, played by Anders Randolf. Irene is in love with a young lawyer, Andre Dubail, played by Conrad Nagel. When Irene decides to stop seeing Andre, she starts spending her time with Pierre Lassalle, the son of her husband’s associate, played by Lew Ayres. When Pierre leaves for college, he begs Irene for a goodbye kiss, a gesture that leads to jealousy, death and an explosive murder trial.



I think what makes “The Kiss” a good film is the combination of Garbo’s acting and the fine cinematography. Under Feyder’s direction, Garbo was even more impressive than she was in her other silent films. I like the way she convincingly played the sympathetic, but no longer in love wife. I also liked the use of light and dark and the superb close-ups. Lew Ayres, whose distinguished career would include “All Quiet on the Western Front” and the Dr. Kildare movies, impresses in his first major screen role. Only 64 minutes in length, “The Kiss” is a good story of tortured romance with a bit of mystery.

Born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson on September 18, 1905, in Stockholm, Sweden, Garbo was brought to the United States by Swedish director Mauritz Stiller after Louis B. Mayer saw her in “Gosta Berlings saga” (1924) and found it exciting enough to sign both Garbo and Stiller to MGM contracts. In her first American film, “Torrent” (1926), Garbo dazzled audiences with her beauty and complex emotions. Her films with silent screen star John Gilbert and their offscreen romance made for big box office as well. One of her most provocative pairings with John Gilbert was “Flesh and the Devil” (1926). With the advent of talkies, Garbo’s career continued to rise and she was successful in “Anna Christie” (1930), “Grand Hotel” (1932), “ Anna Karenina” (1935), “Camille” (1936) and “Ninotchka” (1939). When “Two-Faced Woman” (1941) turned into a humiliating debacle, Garbo decided not to make another film until the time was right. That day never came. The secret of the success of Garbo is not that she lived too long or too short a space in years, but that she knew when to retire and how to fashion herself into a mysterious and reclusive figure. Garbo had one of the most flawless faces in film history, and she looks beautiful in the silent films.

Stevie Nicks performing the song, "Garbo".

Stevie wrote the song "Garbo" after the photo shoot for the Buckingham/Nicks album cover, where she posed topless. She said this song was about having to do things in the business you did not want to do.. She also said she had just spent her "last $200" on a beautiful blouse, and hadn't eaten for days to look great in it...and they wanted her to be topless..she was devastated--but did it...

She then thought of Greta Garbo, and how she probably had to do lots of things she didn't want to do along with the other actress in Hollywood.

Garbo lyrics

I love to waltz with a man in a dark linen suit
All alone-at a party with someone I knew
From a time gone by turned into stone
You could be Garbo or even Marlene
You could be Marilyn...
Or you could forget
I play the part but then all of us do
And I do it so well as I do it to you
In this town full of strangers
In this town full of fools

Venus doesn't glitter when she stands next to you
When you're waltzing through stardom
You miss what you lose
Lose yourself in a silvery dress
For you think you must do what you feel you do best
And you mustn't give it up for you're still but a guest
You could be Garbo or even Marlene
Or you could forget...

Grand Hotel (1932).

Grand Hotel(1932). Drama directed by Edmund Goulding. The screenplay by William A. Drake and Béla Balázs is based on the 1930 play of the same title by Drake, who had adapted it from the 1929 novel Menschen im Hotel by Vicki Baum. The film is the only one to have won the Academy Award for Best Picture without it or its actors being nominated in any other category. The film was remade as, Week-End at the Waldorf (1945).

The film begins when, Grand Hotel permanent resident Doctor Otternschlag, a veteran of World War I , watches while people are coming and going.

Next.. you have Baron Felix von Geigern, who supports himself gambling and part-time jewel thief. He becomes friends with Otto Kringelein , who is dying and wants to spend his last days in a beautiful hotel after a life time scrimping and saving.

Then you have.. Kringelein's former employer, Preysing, closing a deal with the help of his stenographer, Flaemmchen. Who really wants to become an actress and she is willing to do anything to advance her acting career.

Another guest is... Russian ballerina Grusinskaya , whose career is beginning to fade. When She returns from the theatre, she finds Baron in her room stealing her pearls and she tells him, "I want to be alone." Baron decides to stay and Grusinskaya, does not seem to really want him to leave.

The next morning, Baron returns Grusinskaya's pearls, but after a wonderful night with him, she does not seem to concerned about the necklace and invites him to travel with her to Vienna, which he accepts the invitation.

Later, during afternoon tea, the Baron joins Kringelein and Flaemmchen, talks the frail man into dancing with her. Preysing, demands she join him in his suite. Not happy, with his former boss rude behavior, Kringelein gives him a piece of his mind. Preysing, is about to hit Kringelein up side the head, when the Baron jumps in and invites him to join him in a game of cards. Kringelein accepts and wins everything, when he becomes intoxicated and drops his wallet, the Baron picks it up and hides it in his jacket pocket. When Kringelein, begins to search for his lost wallet, the Baron pretends to have suddenly have found the wallet returns it to him.

As part of a merger, Preysing must travel to London and he asks Flaemmchen to join him. Later, when the two are in her room, Preysing sees the shadow of the Baron going through his things. He confronts the Baron and the two get into a fight. Preysing hits the Baron with the telephone, killing him. Flaemmchen comes in and sees what happened. Preysing, insists he acted in self-defense, but Kringelein calls the police and has Preysing arrested.

Grusinskaya leaves for the train station, expecting to find the Baron waiting for her. Kringelein, offers to take Flaemmchen, to Paris to find a cure for his illness. As they leave the hotel, Doctor Otternschlag once again watches, the people coming and going in "Grand Hotel"....

Greta Garbo, is definitely the star of the film, but Joan Crawford, also gives a wonderful performance. Lionel Barrymore and John Barrymore are also impressive. The cinematography is beautiful, as it gives us the grandness of the Grand Hotel, the overhead shot of the operators who are taking the calls and then focusing on everyone who are busy with their own lives, is very interesting to watch.



Fun Facts:

There are no scenes where Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford are in the same frame. This was done to eliminate the possibility that one of the two great stars might upstage the other.

Joan Crawford was irked by Greta Garbo's insistence on top billing and decided to take her revenge. Knowing that Garbo loathed tardiness and Marlene Dietrich in equal measures, Crawford played Dietrich records between shots and made sure to arrive late on set.

The only Best Picture Oscar winner not to be nominated for any other Academy Awards.

Lewis Stone (November 15, 1879 – September 12, 1953). He performed in the film, Nomads of the North(1920), playing a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. He performed in the title role in the silent film version of, The Prisoner of Zenda(1922), as well as, Rudolf Rassendyll.

Stone was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for, The Patriot (1929). After that, he performed in seven movies with Greta Garbo, in both the silent and sound periods. He played the role of Dr. Otternschlag in the Garbo film, Grand Hotel, in which, completely unaware of all the high drama that is going on, he says the famous closing line: "Grand Hotel. People come. People go. Nothing ever happens". He played a larger role in the Garbo film, Queen Christina(1933).  He performed in the films, Big house, The Lost World (1925),The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932) and Missing Persons (1933).

In 1937, Stone began the role which would become his most famous, that of Judge James Hardy, in the Mickey Rooney "Andy Hardy" series. Stone performed as the judge in fifteen movies, beginning with You're Only Young Once (1937).

Video from the silent film:Torrent(1926). Pictures of Greta Garbo .

Torrent (1926). Romantic/drama/silent film directed by Monta Bell. Based on a novel by Vicente Blasco Ibanez. Torrent was the first American film
starring Swedish actress Greta Garbo. The film also starred Ricardo Cortez.
The title refers to a flood that occurs in the small town where most of the action takes place, which brings the couple together.

Fun fact:

Joel McCrea doubled for Greta Garbo in a horse-riding scene.

Please click here to view past Greta Garbo reviews.

"Torrent” (1926)

“Torrent” (1926) is a silent romantic drama starring Ricardo Cortez, Greta Garbo and Gertrude Olmstead. Directed by Monta Bell and adapted from the novel by Spanish author, Vicente Blasco Ibanez, “Entre Naranjos,” this film is a story of lost love and missed chances. Leonora Moreno, a peasant girl, played by Greta Garbo, and Rafael Brull, played by Ricardo Cortez, have grown up in the same Spanish village. Although they are in love, Rafael is from an aristocratic family and dominated by his mother, Dona Bernarda Brull, played by Martha Mattox. Dona Bernarda forbids the relationship causing Leonora’s family to be kicked out of their home. Leonora’s father, Don Pedro Moreno, played by Edward Connelly, decides to take his daughter off to Paris where her trained voice is sure to be a hit. Meanwhile, her mother, Dona Pepa Moreno, played by Lucy Beaumont, is left behind to work as a maid for Dona Bernarda. After Leonora leaves for Paris, Dona Bernarda convinces Rafael that Remedios Matias, played by Gertrude Olmstead, would be the ideal wife for him mainly because her father, Don Matias, played by Mack Swain, has grown rich in hog raising, and he becomes engaged to her. While living in Paris, Leonora becomes a famous opera singer, La Brunna, and develops a reputation for being a loose woman. When Leonora returns to her home to see her mother, she and Rafael meet again and their love is rekindled. Unfortunately, Dona Bernarda separates them again, and he marries Remedios. Years later, Leonora and Rafael meet again. She is still beautiful, but he looks older than his years and is an unhappily married man with two children. The ending is surprising.











“Torrent” (1926) was Garbo’s American film debut and it helped establish her as a big star. With magnificent sets and costumes, this was MGM filmmaking at its best. The special effects must have been quite remarkable for their time. With no language barrier to deal with, the Swedish actress was able to play a Spanish peasant turned temptress with no disbelief from the audience. Handsome Ricardo Cortez was quite convincing as a Spaniard and does an admirable job appearing foolish and growing old ungracefully. One of the things I liked most about the film was the use of sepia, blue, lavender and red hues throughout. I liked the scene where Cortez braves the torrent in a row boat trying to rescue Leonora. One of my favorite scenes is when a lovesick Cortez wanders back to Garbo’s home and tells her he needs her and they dissolve into each other’s arms. The scene in which Cortez and Garbo are lying near the orange blossoms is breathtakingly romantic and very well done. “Torrent” is worth watching just for its stunning cinematography and Garbo’s impressive American film debut.

Ricardo Cortez, who looked like Latin Lover Rudolph Valentino, was invented, named and groomed to become a direct rival. Ironically, he wasn’t Latin at all, having been born Jacob Krantz to an Austrian Jewish family in New York City. He became starstruck growing up in Manhattan, began playing bit parts in New York-based films, and after moving to Hollywood, his appearance in a dance contest won him a Paramount contract. Jesse Lasky of Paramount was in the audience and noticed how much Krantz resembled Valentino. Lasky immediately offered Krantz a contract and began preparing him to take Valentino’s place. Lasky’s secretary picked the name Ricardo Cortez when it was decided the young actor needed a Latin name. Krantz stuck with his new name and went on to make ninety pictures from 1924 to 1958, all under the name of Ricardo Cortez. He also achieved a considerable degree of prominence during the silent era with films such as “Argentine Love” (1924), “The Spaniard” (1925), “The Swan” (1925) and “Torrent” (1926). Cortez moved easily into talkies and starred in such films as “The Maltese Falcon” (1931), “Symphony of Six Million” (1932), “Midnight Mary” (1933) and “Torch Singer” (1933). When Cortez retired from the film business, he went to work as a stockbroker on Wall Street. Cortez died in New York City on April 28, 1977. He was 76 years old. He was the brother of noted cinematographer Stanley Cortez (born Stanislaus Krantz).


Dona Bernarda has in mind Remedios Matias, played by Gertrude Olmstead, as a daughter-in-law mainly because her father, Don Matias, played by Mack Swain, has grown rich in hog raising.

Happy Birthday: Greta Garbo!

Greta Garbo, was a Swedish actress best for her work during Hollywood's silent film period and also part of Golden Age. She performed in 27 movies and has become one of the most popular Hollywood stars.

Her first talkie was in the film , Anna Christie(1930). Of all MGM stars, Garbo was the actress that they kept out of talking films the longest, so they could coach her in English. Her famous first line is: "Gif me a vhisky, ginger ale on the side, and don't be stingy, baby!". Garbo's English became so good by the time she performed in this film, she had to add an accent in several retakes to sound more like the Swedish Anna.

Next she went on to perform twice in Anna Karenina. Her favorite performance was in the film, Camille(1936), The film is about Marguerite Gauthier, who is born into a lower class family, but in time becomes Dame Camille, living in high society in Paris. Camille, is supported by the wealthy Baron de Varville (Henry Daniell), for many years. Eventually, Camille falls in love with Armand (Robert Taylor), a handsome young man. Which turns everyones life upside down.

During the World War II era, MGM wanted to recast Garbo as a comic actress in the film, Ninotchka(1939). Followed by, Two-Faced Woman(1941), in which Garbo danced and sang.

Stevie Nicks, singing her beautiful song "Garbo".

I thought it would be fun to share this video of my favorite singer, Stevie Nicks, singing her beautiful song "Garbo" and compare their similar styles.

Wild Orchids (1929)

Wild Orchids(1929). Director: Sidney Franklin. Cast: Greta Garbo, Lewis Stone and Nils Asther. This was Greta Garbo's 15th film, the 8th of her Hollywood career and her 7th silent movie after talkies. It was also her 1st film with Swedish actor Nils Asther, with who she would star again in The Single Standard in the same year, and the 2nd of seven films between Garbo and Lewis Stone.

Greta Garbo "Wild Orchids" (1929)

"Wild Orchids" (1929) is a silent romantic drama starring Greta Garbo, Lewis Stone, and Nils Asther. Directed by Sidney Franklin, this film is about a wife who finds herself drawn to a Javanese prince while on a trip with her husband. The story begins with middle-aged American tycoon, John Sterling, played by Lewis Stone, and his young wife, Lillie, played by Greta Garbo, embarking on a cruise to Java where they are expecting a second honeymoon. On the ship, the Sterlings meet Prince De Gace, played by Nils Asther, who is very attracted to Lillie. Even though John is not a neglectful husband, he is not much of the romantic type. This makes Lillie vulnerable to the charming prince and his advances. Lillie is quite upset when John accepts the prince's invitation to stay at his plantation and tries to persuade him not to go. However, John tells Lillie that he wants to go hunting for tigers with the prince and thinks that she is being unreasonable. Once they are at the prince's plantation, John is too busy to pay much attention to Lillie. When he is away, the prince tries to seduce Lillie who does her best to avoid him and his advances. One night after returning from a day looking at plantations, John sees the silhouettes of the prince and Lillie in an embrace against the shade. At this point, John begins to suspect his wife of infidelity. How will John handle this situation?

"Wild Orchids" (1929) was Greta Garbo's eighth silent film out of the ten she made at MGM. Her accent was originally thought to be a problem so her sound debut was delayed until 1930's "Anna Christie," and then treated like a major event. "Garbo Talks!" screamed the ads, and curiosity brought large crowds into the theaters. As it turned out, she not only talked well, but talked with a voice that fit her persona. Ironically, Garbo's best and worst films are her talkies, and the worst of those are unwatchable, except for Garbo. On the other hand, Garbo's silents all have something to recommend them. Their dreamy unreality is the perfect showcase for Garbo's unreal beauty. Reflecting the art of the silent cinema at its peak, "Wild Orchids" is visually beautiful with superb production values. The viewer is able to take a good look at the extravagant sets, large stairways, and alluring Adrian gowns. The Javanese dancing sequence is of particular interest, and the use of music and sound effects makes this silent film so fun to watch. The film is beautifully lit with memorable close ups. The naturalistic performances of the three stars make this film quite enjoyable. Lewis Stone was a wonderful silent film actor. His facial expression when he first sees Lillie and the prince in an embrace says it all. However, some of Stone's best performances, like Garbo, would come with talking pictures. Stone also delivered some of the best and funniest lines in the film. Nils Asther had already enjoyed much success as a matinee idol by the time "Wild Orchids" was filmed. He was a fine actor, but his heavy accent made it hard for MGM to cast him and he eventually returned to Sweden. While it is not a major classic, "Wild Orchids" is representative of silent films at their best and Garbo at the peak of her beauty.

*It is interesting to note that Garbo's mentor, Mauritz Stiller, died during the shooting of "Wild Orchids," and MGM refused her to go back to Sweden.

Queen Christina (1933) Pre-Code.

Queen Christina (1933). Pre-code historical/ drama. Director: Rouben Mamoulian.The film was written by H. M. Harwood and Salka Viertel with dialogue by S. N. Behrman, based on a story by Salka Viertel and Margaret P. Levino. Cast: Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Ian Keith and Lewis Stone. The movie is very loosely based on the life of the 17th century Queen Christina of Sweden, who, in the film, falls in love during her reign but has to deal with the political realities of her society. It was billed as Garbo's return to cinema after an eighteen-month hiatus.

In 1632, after her father, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, is killed on the battlefield, six-year-old Christina raised as a boy is crowned "king" of Sweden . And then promises to her court, that Sweden will fight until it wins the war.

Many years later, the now-grown Christina, who dresses in men's clothing, meets with her council and states for the good of the country, they must find peace. Christina then argues with Oxenstierna about marrying her Swedish-born cousin, Prince Palatine Charles Gustavus. Not wanting to marry a man she does not love, Christina rejects Oxenstierna's demands. To escape Christina, goes on a hunting trip with her servant Aage. While riding, Christina comes across the path of a coach filled with Spaniards, which have gotten stuck in a ditch. Because she is dressed as a man, Christina is not recognized and is treated as a male servant by Don Antonio de la Prada. Later, Christina and Aage seek shelter at the Inn and once again meet Antonio and his men. Antonio apologizes when he learns that Christina is a gentleman of means and engages him/her, in conversation. Christina impresses Antonio, after which insists that he take her to his room, the last room in the inn. After a polite argument, the couple decide to share the room. While Antonio undresses, Christina becomes uncomfortable, but finally reveals that she is a woman by removing her jacket. Surprised, Antonio takes Christina in his arms. For the next several days, Christina and Antonio, who is still unaware of her royal identity, fall in love and promise their lasting devotion to each other. Needing to accomplish his mission, Antonio leaves the inn, but arranges to meet with Christina in Stockholm.

Back at the palace, Christina is confronted by Magnus, who questions her about her disappearance. Christina's only care, is her reunion with Antonio and dresses up in her most beautiful gown to greet him. When Antonio is introduced to Christina, he is surprised but maintains his composure. Later in private Antonio, accuses her for playing with his affections and presents to her a proposal of marriage. Christina ignores her royal duties to spend time with Antonio. Jealous, Magnus hires two men to spread rumors about the queen's scandalous behavior, and one night in the Palace, Christina is met by an angry mob.

After calming the crowd, Christina confronts Magnus, where he threatens to have Antonio killed. For his protection, Christina orders Antonio back to Spain, unaware that the Spaniard has challenged Magnus to a duel. Christina calls together her court, announces that she is stepping down from the throne. While Christina says good by to her heartbroken court, Antonio and Magnus engage in their sword fight. What will Christina find when she reaches Antonio's ship?

Fun Fact:
Since John Gilbert was becoming less popular as a leading man, Greta Garbo was doing him a big favor by requesting him as the male lead. Unfortunately, the film did not help to re-establish Gilbert, and soon after he dropped out of pictures altogether.

I just watched Queen Christina for the first time. For me, it is a beautiful and haunting film. John Gilbert and Greta Garbo had wonderful on screen chemistry. My favorite scene in the movie, is when she is enjoying herself as a woman.

Greta Garbo "The Temptress" (1926)

"The Temptress" (1926) is a silent romantic drama starring Greta Garbo, Antonio Moreno, and Lionel Barrymore. Directed by Fred Niblo and based on the novel by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, this film is about a beautiful woman who destroys the men who come in contact with her. The story begins with Elena, a Spanish girl, played by Greta Garbo, meeting Manuel Robledo, an Argentinian engineer, played by Antonio Moreno, at a Parisian costume ball. They dance and when the masks come off Robledo tells Elena that she is the woman he has waited for all his life. Elena, who is actually married and has a rich lover on the side, swears to Robledo that she has no other man in her life. At this point, Robledo gives Elena a ruby ring. The next day, Robledo visits a friend and business colleague, Marquis de Torre Bianca, played by Armand Kaliz, and is surprised to learn that his wife is Elena. Robledo, Elena, and Bianca attend that night a dinner party hosted by Marquis de Fontenoy, played by Marc Mac Dermott, a middle-aged banker permitted by Bianca to have Elena as his mistress because of the expensive jewels she gets from him. During the dinner, Fontenoy makes a speech on how Elena has ruined his life, and then drops dead at the table after taking his drink of poison. Disgusted at Elena, Robledo decides to forget her by leaving to Argentina where he accepts a water dam building project. When he arrives at his home in Argentina, Robledo is welcomed back by the entire village, including his four best friends, Canterac, played by Lionel Barrymore, Pirovani, played by Robert Andersen, Timoteo, played by Francis McDonald, and Rojas, played by Hector Sarno, as well as the sweet Senorita Celinda, played by Virginia Browne Faire. Robledo occupies himself with the work of constructing a dam. However, the evil bandit, Manos Duras, played by Roy D'Arcy, keeps stealing his horses and luring his workers away. One day, Bianca shows up in Robledo's house looking for work with his wife, Elena, by his side. Robledo is not pleased that Elena is there, but he lets them stay at his house anyway. Elena, dressed in haute couture outfits and high heels, becomes the center of attention of the men in the village, including Robledo's best friends and Manos Duras, who comes with his band of caballeros to serenade Elena and to steal a kiss. When Robledo tries to stop him, Manos Duras challenges him to a duel using whips. The confrontation between the two men is brutal, but Robledo defeats Manos Duras. While Elena lovingly dresses Robledo's wounds, he pushes her away and refuses to acknowledge that he fought for her. Unexpectedly, a gunshot is heard from outside the window. Manos Duras has made an attempt on Robledo's life, but his bullet hits Bianca instead. Elena is now a widow and the men in the village begin pursuing her to the point of neglecting their work. Concerned over her negative influence, Robledo purchases a ticket for Elena to sail back to France. Elena wants Robledo to accompany her to Paris, but he refuses. On the night before Elena is to sail for France, Canterac throws a fiesta for Elena. Just when Canterac is kissing Elena, Pirovani surprises them. A fight breaks between the two men and Canterac ends up killing Pirovani with his sword. Elena runs off in horror while Robledo goes off to find her. When he finds Elena, Robledo blames her for the deaths of Fontenoy, Bianca, and Pirovani. Elena tries to explain to Robledo that their deaths were because of their desire for her body. She tries to convince Robledo that her love for him is sincere, but he defies her. Suddenly, a loud explosion is heard in the village. Manos Duras has blown up the dam with dynamite. At this point, the villagers rush to build a barricade and keep the dam from flooding. It begins to rain, and the barricade breaks, almost carrying Robledo away in the rushing waters. Mad as hell, Robledo returns to his house and intends to kill Elena. Robledo tries to choke her, but ends up kissing her instead. He realizes that he is still in love with Elena and promises to go anywhere with her. Not wanting to be the cause of Robledo's destruction, the next morning, Elena slips out of the house while he sleeps and returns to Paris. Will Robledo and Elena reunite?

"The Temptress" (1926) was Garbo's second American film, and like her first, it was based on a script by the Spanish novelist Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. Production began with Mauritz Stiller at the helm. However, the Swedish director, perhaps jealous of Garbo's phenomenal success in "Torrent" (1926), which had been made without his direction, was unable to cooperate with his American producers. After costly quarrels, Stiller was replaced by Fred Niblo, a director secure at MGM in the reputation of his mighty "Ben Hur." The critical press protested the obvious weak points of the story, the recounting of the vampire-temptress causing the deaths of four lovers. On the other hand, those same reviewers were so swept along by Garbo's personality that they found the film outstanding. The National Board of Review even rated it "exceptional," citing especially its impressive ending. With "The Temptress" Garbo was definitely typed as a vamp. The film was so successful that her producers were reluctant to tamper with the formula that was proving golden for them, but distasteful to Garbo herself. She was deeply concerned to establish herself in this country as the serious actress she had already proved herself to be in Europe. Garbo's leading man in "The Temptress" was Antonio Moreno, the first of the suave Latin Lovers of the silent film era. Moreno had his greatest success in the 1920's, when he was ranked second only to Rudolph Valentino as the great lover of the screen. Born in Madrid, Spain, Moreno was a handsome man and a capable actor, able to play both comedy and drama. Moreno showed good judgment in the management of his career, and the work he left behind far surpasses Valentino's in quantity and quality. Aside from Greta Garbo, Moreno went on to star with such silent leading ladies as Gloria Swanson, Pola Negri, Dorothy Gish, Clara Bow, and Marion Davies. Although Moreno made the transition to sound films, he could not do it as a leading man and became a character actor in films such as "Captain from Castile" (1947), "Thunder Bay" (1953), and "The Searchers" (1956).
















"The Temptress" is worth watching just for its stunning cinematography and Garbo's impressive performance. Garbo had an expressive face that was so ideal in silent films and photographed magnificently. She also had a commanding screen presence. What fascinates me the most about the film is that Garbo portrays Elena as a tragic figure and not as a villain.

A WOMAN OF AFFAIRS (1928).

A Woman of Affairs (1928). Drama. Director: Clarence Brown. Cast: Greta Garbo, John Gilbet, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Lewis Stone. The film was based on a 1924 play by Michael Arlen, The Green Hat. Later renamed, A Woman of Affairs. This was Greta Garbo's 14th film, the 7th of her Hollywood career and her 6th silent movie. It was also her 3rd collaboration with John Gilbert, after Flesh and the Devil (1926) and Love (1927), her 2nd film with Clarence Brown and was the 1st of seven collaborations between Garbo and Lewis Stone. In 1934, MGM made a remake of the film starring Constance Bennett, titled Outcast Lady.

Diana Merrick, falls in love with aristocratic Neville Holderness, but respecting his fathers wishes they do not marry. Heartbroken and living a reckless life, Diana marries her brother's friend, David Furness, unaware that he is a thief. On their honeymoon, learning that the police are after him, David jumps out a window and kills himself.



Diana makes it her mission to repay the victims of her husband. After a few years she returns to England, to find her brother has died from alcoholism. When Neville finds Diana, she turns him away, because he is still influenced by his father and he is now married. She is heartbroken, never to recover.

One of my favorite scenes, is when Diana is wearing a special ring on her finger, sitting on the couch with Neville, Diana tells him, "I would only take it off for the man I love." then you see her hand just as the ring slowly slips off her finger. The costumes and hairstyles are wonderful and Garbo looked amazing.

Dorothy Sebastian (April 26, 1903 – April 8, 1957). Her first contact in Hollywood was Robert Kane, who gave her a film test at United Studios. She performed in George White's Scandals with Joan Crawford and Anita Page for a popular series of MGM romantic dramas: Our Dancing Daughters (1928) and Our Blushing Brides (1930). Sebastian also performed in 1929's Spite Marriage, cast opposite her then-lover Buster Keaton.

GRETA GARBO: Fun Facts

Greta Garbo, a Swedish actress. Thought to be one of the greatest movie stars, ever produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Garbo received a 1954 Honorary Academy Award for her amazing on screen performances. Garbo's best known silent movies were Flesh and the Devil(1927), Love (1927) and The Mysterious Lady(1928).

Soon after her career took off, Garbo became known as a recluse. She conducted no interviews, signed no autographs, attended no social functions and answered no fan mail. Today she is often associated with her famous line from Grand Hotel: "I want to be alone. Garbo later stated, "I never said, 'I want to be alone.' I only said, 'I want to be let alone.' There is a difference." Garbo never married.

Fun Facts:

Her personal favorite movie of her own was Camille(1936).

Her first "talkie" film was Anna Christie (1930).

Gary Cooper was her favorite actor. Although, they never performed in a film together.

Was offered the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. (1950), but she turned it down. Gloria Swanson was cast instead where she went on to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her performance.

Pictured on a 37¢ USA commemorative postage stamp issued 23 September 2005, five days after her 100th birthday. On the same day, Sweden issued a 10kr stamp with the same design. The likeness on the stamps was based on a photograph taken during the filming of As You Desire Me (1932).

Greta Garbo "The Single Standard" (1929)

"The Single Standard" (1929) is a silent romantic drama starring Greta Garbo, Nils Asther, and Johnny Mack Brown. Directed by John S. Robertson and adapted from the novel by Adela Rogers St. Johns, this film examines female liberation and sexuality. The story begins with young socialite Arden Stuart, played by Greta Garbo, in a party. That evening Arden asks Anthony Kendall, a family chauffeur to take her for a ride. When they are caught returning from a romantic fling, the chauffeur is fired by his employer and then commits suicide by speeding out the car and crashing it into a nearby tree.

Three months later, Arden meets famous artist Packy Cannon, played by Nils Asther. They sail together for a long romantic trip aboard his yacht. Arden wants to marry him, but Packy soon dumps her. Back home in San Francisco, Arden is proposed again by an old friend, millionaire Tommy Hewlett, played by Johnny Mack Brown. On the rebound from Packy, Arden accepts his marriage proposal. Three years later, Packy returns and wants her back. Arden loves Packy, but has a son with Tommy. What will she do? "The Single Standard" incorporates the ideals of women's liberation in the 1920's. Modern viewers would be surprised to know that by 1929 women had been liberated and had achieved sexual equality. The films of the era reflected these movements of America's slipping puritanism until the Hays Code became fully operational around 1934. Greta Garbo's Arden Stuart was made to relate with the modern women who made her own rules of sexual behavior. The Garbo character in "The Single Standard" insists on revised moral principles that would eliminate the double standard of sexual behavior and replace it with a single rule applying equally to men and to women. "The Single Standard" was Garbo's penultimate silent film. Worried that her rich, deep voice and thick Swedish accent would not record properly, MGM executives kept Garbo in silent films longer than any of the studio's other contractees. This film was Garbo's first "modern" role and she gives one of her most sensitive and restrained performances. The love scenes are romantic and tender. Most of the film is beautifully photographed and lit even though there is some nitrate decomposition. "The Single Standard" is worth watching just to see the divine Garbo perfectly cast playing an unconventional and independent woman.

THE SINGLE STANDARD (1929) MOVIE CLIP.