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).

John Barrymore-Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) is a silent drama starring John Barrymore, Brandon Hurst, Nita Naldi and Martha Mansfield. Directed by John S. Robertson and adapted from the 1886 horror novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, this film is about a scientist who searches for a way to separate the good and the evil in a man. Set in 19th century England, Henry Jekyll, played by John Barrymore, is an idealistic and philanthropic doctor of medicine who spends his time conducting experiments in his laboratory attached to his home and treats his patients at a free clinic for the poor at his own expense. Jekyll is engaged to Millicent Carewe, played by Martha Mansfield. At a dinner gathering at the Carewe home, Millicent's father, Sir George Carewe, played by Brandon Hurst, suggests to Jekyll the possibilities of man living by his instincts yet having another side to his nature. Carewe later accompanies Jekyll to a London music hall where they watch a flirtatious young dancer named Gina, played by Nita Naldi, perform. For the first time in his life, Jekyll awakens to the sense of "his baser emotions." Spending days and nights in his laboratory with his experiments, Jekyll concocts a potion that transforms him into Edward Hyde, an uninhibited rogue with murderous intent. Hyde begins a relationship with the sultry Gina and makes her life miserable. He goes on a murderous rampage and takes control over Jekyll's soul. Jekyll finds over time that it is becoming more and more difficult to separate his two personas. Jekyll becomes a recluse and spends less time with Millicent. When Jekyll's antidote supply runs out to return to his gentler self he tries to fight the urge of evil. Will Jekyll be able to overcome the forces of evil?

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" was one of John Barrymore's greatest hits. To turn into Mr. Hyde, Barrymore undergoes a famous on-screen transformation, done without makeup alterations until the moment when a cut provides the viewer with a medium close-up in which he has added warts, new hair, and a false nose. It's amazing how the handsome young man is replaced by an older person with a demonic stare. His eyes now look crazy. His mouth is fixed into an evil grin, and his hands are like claws. A cut then takes the viewer close, and hideous makeup has been added to completely alter his appearance. To watch Barrymore enact this transformation without sound effects, color filters, or camera tricks is an impressive experience. Barrymore's greatest strength as a silent film actor lay in his ability to change physically right before the audience's eyes. Unlike Lon Chaney, Barrymore's changes were more psychological than physical. His transformation from tormented doctor to violent madman shows his tremendous range as an actor. Another memorable moment onscreen is watching Jekyll sleeping in his bed dreaming of being attacked by a ghostly spider crawling upon him. This 1920 production featuring Barrymore remains the best of the adaptations produced during the silent era and the most famous. This film also firmly established Barrymore's film career. What impressed me the most of this version is its horror atmosphere, with the studio sets of the foggy lamplit London slums. Transcending the lack of sound and scratchy picture, this film is worth watching for Barrymore's amazing dual performance as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

It is interesting to note that while filming "The Warrens of Virginia" (1924) in San Antonio, Texas, Martha Mansfield's voluminous 1860's costume went up in flames when a smoker carelessly tossed a match in her direction. She was rushed to a hospital with severe burns; there was virtually no chance of survival. Mansfield died at noon the following day, November 30, 1923. She was 24 years old.

John Barrymore-"Eternal Love" (1929)

"Eternal Love" (1929) is a silent romantic drama starring John Barrymore, Camilla Horn, and Victor Varconi. Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, this film is about how the jealousy of others can destroy a couple's happy plans. The story begins in 1806, when France and Austria are fighting one another and the Swiss village of Pontresina is caught in the middle. The French military officers demand that all men in the village surrender their weapons. All the men immediately surrender their weapons except for hunter Marcus Paltran, played by John Barrymore, a loner who is in love with Ciglia, played by Camilla Horn, the niece of the town priest, Reverend Tass, played by Hobart Bosworth. Marcus is pursued by Pia, played by Mona Rico, a wild mountain girl whose interest in him is purely sexual. Marcus is hunting for his dinner in the mountains when the villagers hear his gun noise after they had given up their guns. As Marcus is leaving the mountains with his meat, Pia shows up just to flirt with him and this annoys him. By the time he is back in the village, everybody is pressuring him to give up his gun. Marcus refuses until Ciglia persuades him for the safety of their village. Shortly after the French army is driven from the village, the villagers celebrate by throwing a masked ball with a great deal of liquor. After getting drunk at the masked ball, Marcus makes a pass at Ciglia. In a moment of anger, she rejects him. Marcus leaves only to run into Pia who takes advantage of the situation to seduce him. They end up in Marcus's bed together. When Ciglia and Marcus decide to get married with her father's consent it is spoiled when Pia finds out and tells her mother that she and Marcus spent one night together. Pia's mother wastes no time in telling Reverend Tass about what happened between her daughter and Marcus. At this point, Marcus is forced by Reverend Tass to give up Ciglia and marry Pia. Ciglia is heartbroken until Lorenz Gruber, played by Victor Varconi, starts courting her. They end up getting married, but Ciglia is still in love with Marcus. When he realizes that Ciglia is still in love with Marcus, Lorenz decides to murder his rival. How will this love quadrangle end?

The late silent film era in Hollywood saw a number of artistic films made by European directors. F.W. Murnau's "Sunrise" (1927) is perhaps the most obvious example, but Ernst Lubitsch's "Eternal Love" (1929) is definitely in that category. This film has all the elements of a German film. Mountain backgrounds and dark shadows in the film are elements that were created in German cinema and later destroyed by the Nazis. "Eternal Love" is a visually beautiful film which is derived mainly from the outstanding cinematography of Oscar-winner Charles Rosher, who covers the depths of interiors in gloom and shows the actors in sharp detail. Filmed not in Switzerland but in the Canadian Rockies, Lubitsch makes the most of both setting and starring actors. Lubitsch's earlier work back in Germany showed his skill in various kinds of comedies. Even though "Eternal Love" is a romantic drama, the Lubitsch sophistication is definitely there. Both John Barrymore and Camilla Horn give top-notch performances. Matinee idol John Barrymore could always play a role in which he conveyed passionate love so magnificently. With such a beautiful setting, intense plot, and Lubitsch's expert direction, "Eternal Love" is one of the gems of the late silent era that deserves a viewing.

Midnight(1939)

Midnight (1939). Romantic/ comedy. Director: Mitchell Leisen. Written by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder based on a story by Edwin Justus Mayer and Franz Schulz. Cast: Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche and John Barrymore.

Eve Peabody an American showgirl, finds herself stranded in Paris one rainy night. Eve makes a deal with cab driver Tibor Czerny, to double his fee for driving her from nightclub to nightclub looking for a job. Eve, decides to run away from him when it looks like he is becoming interested in her. She hides from him at a charity event and attracts the attention of, millionaire Georges Flammarion. The adventure begins after Georges gives her the title of the Baroness Czerny, Eve finds herself in a room at the Ritz, with beautiful clothes and a chauffeured limousine. Later that morning, Georges, shows up at the Ritz to offer Eve the job of taking Jacques away from Helen. She accepts the job and his weekend invitation at his home. That same day, Tibor has organized the cab drivers of Paris to find Eve and on a tip, he finds her at the Flammarion chateau. Just as Helen is about to expose Eve as an impostor, Tibor arrives as the Baron to claim his wife. Will they be able to keep up the crazy charade?
Midnight Movie Clip.
Favorite quote:

Eve Peabody: (at the ball) Don't forget, every Cinderella has her midnight.

This is the first time I have seen the film Midnight. I thought the story was magical. Once again, Claudette Colbert shows that she is a wonderful comedian. Don Ameche gives one of my favorite performances. Mary Astor combines beauty and meanness in her performance. I may have to add this film to my DVD collection.

Dolores Costello

Silent, Is this Dolores Costello in a white wig?

John Barrymore "When a Man Loves" (1927)

"When a Man Loves" (1927) is a silent romantic drama starring John Barrymore, Dolores Costello, and Warner Oland. Directed by Alan Crosland and adapted from the 18th-century novel "Manon Lescaut" by Abbe Prevost, this film is about an aspiring priest who abandons his calling for the lovely Manon Lescaut. The story begins in an old French cathedral town during the reign of Louis XV where Fabien des Grieux, played by John Barrymore, is studying to become a priest. One spring morning, virginal Manon Lescaut, played by Dolores Costello, arrives at the convent. When Fabien sees Manon, it is love at first sight. Meanwhile, Manon's scheming brother Andre Lescaut, played by Warner Oland, decides to prostitute her. Fabien overhears Andre's plot and runs off with Manon to Paris. After living together in a boarding house for one week, the lovers are separated through the intervention of Andre who later sells Manon to Comte Guillot de Morfontaine. Manon soon becomes against her will the mistress of Morfontaine. Just when Fabien is about to go into the priesthood he finds out that Manon will be deported to Louisiana as a prisoner not only by spurned lover Morfontaine but also by King Louis XV of France. Will Fabien be able to rescue Manon before it is too late? John Barrymore was teamed up with his lovely wife, Dolores Costello, in "When a Man Loves." Warner's scriptwriters stopped short of the book's final tragedy in New Orleans but not before they have Barrymore as the maddened Fabien fighting with sword and inciting a whole cageful of prisoners to take over the prison ship in a spree of carnage. "When a Man Loves" was Barrymore's third and final film in a three picture deal with Warner Brothers and it followed the better known "Don Juan." Barrymore had become Warner's most prestigious property, and they billed him as "The World's Greatest Actor." Barrymore's acting ability was never questioned in Hollywood, and he was always treated with the respect that his theatrical lineage and triumphs brought to the screen. With his extraordinary good looks, Barrymore would inevitably become a matinee idol, known as "The Great Profile."


In his role as Fabien, Barrymore remains the master of stage acting which he shrewdly adapts to the screen. He has stage presence and stands out from the other actors. Barrymore could also take the tiniest gesture, like the raising of one eyebrow, and make it huge. I was quite moved by the way Barrymore's Fabien comes to the rescue of his beloved Manon every time she is in danger. In the swashbuckling action scenes, Barrymore is tough and full of fire. His performance in these scenes reminds me of Errol Flynn in "Robin Hood" a decade later. Dolores Costello gives a first-rate performance and has great chemistry with Barrymore. Their love scenes together are so touching and romantic. It is incomprehensible to me that this film is almost never seen. It is a major studio obscurity even though it has top-notch production values with sumptuous costumes and sets. "When a Man Loves" had a Vitaphone pre-recorded soundtrack with musical score and sound effects. This silent gem ab
out a love that endures despite overwhelming obstacles is the perfect film to watch on Valentine's Day.

* It is interesting to note that Drew Barrymore is the granddaughter of John Barrymore and Dolores Costello as well as the great-niece of Ethel Barrymore and Lionel Barrymore.