Written On The Wind (released in 1956) - Starring Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, Robert Stack and Dorothy Malone

"Written On The Wind" is a drama from the director, Douglas Sirk's stable. It stars his favorite, Rock Hudson along with Lauren Bacall, Dorothy Malone and Robert Stack. Based on Robert Wolderman's novel of the same name, it is said to be based on the life of playboy Tobacco Heir, Zachary Smith Reynolds. A tale of love, money and greed, it has all the ingredients of a potboiler.
Texas oil baron, Jasper Hadley, is a great success with his business, but his children have totally disappointed him. Plagued with their childhood experiences, Kyle and Marylee are dysfunctional and spoilt. With money power, Marylee seduces every one and is a total alcoholic. Kyle is a womanizer and is heavily drowning in spirits. Kyle finds love in Lucy Moore, a simple executive secretary and marries her after a whirlwind courtship. She is a calming influence in his life and things start looking up for the Hadleys. But alcoholism has made Kyle incapable of fathering a child and this drives him to depression. Jasper Hadley does not make things easier with his high expectations and low appreciation. Kyle is driven by the bottle and starts physically abusing Lucy.



Mitch Reynolds is a geologist in Hadley's oil business. Marylee loves Mitch and even Jasper finds a surrogate capable son that he always wanted. But Mitch loves Lucy, and even if it is a one sided affair, Kyle becomes suspicious of Lucy's fidelity. Jealousy rips the couple apart and physical abuse becomes the norm of the day. Lucy becomes miraculously pregnant but this drives Kyle in to a rage as he suspects the child to be Mitch's. As the result of the push Lucy looses the baby and breaks ties with her husband. Mitch vows to leave town with her as soon as she is well enough. A jealous Kyle tries to shoot Mitch. Marylee tries to reason with him and Kyle is shot fatally in the melee. .
Marylee threatens to implicate Mitch for the murder if he does not return her love. Mitch refuses to be seduced or threatened and stand by Lucy. Marylee implicates him for the murder at the inquest and soon realizes that love can never be won sadistically. She changes her statement and allows Mitch and Lucy to depart to another life. She is left alone to mourn her brother and handle the reins of the company.
The movie is a typical potboiler with lot of sexist elements woven in to it. Sometimes it surprises me, how Mitch could just be with the goody two shoes Lucy who is boring compared to the smouldering Marylee. Dorothy Malone who plays Marylee does a un-paralled act which ultimately won her an Oscar. Stack also performs admirably and is said to have been ignored by the award company under pressure from 20th Century Fox. The movie also had a great outing at the box of ice even if the critics had not favored it much.
But still there is something missing from the whole story, and that being the repetitive story line. How often we have been fed with the spoilt rich kid against the nice poor guys saga? The women are never strong; with poor whimpering Lucy getting all the sympathy and Marylee being torn to pieces because she gets what she wants. The lack of originality is the film's death knell as it cannot stand scrutiny with the passage of time. If one has time on their hands and nothing much to look up to, then try a watch. Not highly recommended though.

HouseSitter (released in 1992) - A romantic comedy starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn

Directed by Frank Oz, House sitter is a romantic comedy which released in 1992, staring Steve Martin, Goldi Hawn and Dana Delany.
Steve Martin plays the beleaguered architect Newton Davis who builds a grand house for his girl friend Becky who refuses to marry him. Newton is crest fallen and, deeply in debt, he leaves the town and abandons the house to its fate. During a drunken evening at the bar, Newton spills the beans to Gwen Phillips, the waitress who comforts him. They end up spending the night together and Newton coming to his senses in the middle of the night leaves abruptly. He unintentionally leaves the blueprints of the plans at Gwen's place. Piqued by his sudden departure Gwen travels to see the dream house for herself and is charmed by the architecture. She takes up residence at the house and slowly involves herself with the community.
Gwen is a compulsive liar who changes her identity as and when she pleases. Upon buying groceries she is forced to convince the store keeper that she is Newton's wife. Soon a chain of reactions happen with Becky confronting her. To awe Becky Gwen spins a romantic tale about her meeting Newton and buys her off. Newton's heartbroken parents are also bought over by her charms and yarn.



As the town folks settle down, Newton travels to town and is surprised to find his house lived in. At first he is angry and tries to kick Gwen off the premises. But as he gets in to the groove of things he finds that the presence of Gwen to be pretty helpful. He soon hires her to make Becky jealous and to repair his relationship with his parents. Soon Newton and Gwen masquerade as a couple so as to win over Becky, upon which Gwen would get all the furniture as the price.
Newton slowly relies upon Gwen for everything and she in turn feels attached to their “marriage”. Instead of making Becky jealous, Gwen starts resenting her presence in Newton's life. She reveals that because of her inadequacies she has been forced to live a life full of lies and wants to put an end to it. At a family reception Gwen confronts Becky accusing her for trying to win over Newton and storms off. Newton thinking this to be the part of the act, praises her and follows her out. Gwen reveals her love for him and her need to work this relationship leaving Newton perplexed. Soon it dawns on everybody about the double life of Gwen and Becky comforts Newton. But Newton realizes his feelings for her and reunites with Gwen. All is well and they live happily ever after in the beautiful house.
This movie was a moderate success and not a critics favorite. It is sort of a rehashed love story which does not warm the cockles of the heart. Steve Martin plays the bumbling architect and Goldie Hawn plays his love interest pretty well. But the crackling chemistry of the duo is missing. The real star of the movie is the house which is simply beautiful. There are no high points in this predictable romantic comedy and would recommend if only you are hard pressed for choices.

LA Story (released in 1991) - Starring Steve Martin, Victoria Tennant and Sarah Jessica Parker

LA Story is a romantic comedy film released in 1991 staring Steve Martin, Victoria Tennant and Sarah Jessica Parker. It was scripted by Steve Martin who also donned the role of the executive producer. Directed by Mick Johnson it has a cult following as it celebrates the real LA way of life.
Steve Martin stars as Haris. K. Telemacher, who is a news meteorologist in a meaningless relationship with his girlfriend Trudi. He soon gets tired of his monotonous routine and craves for that magic and excitement. At a luncheon he meets Sara, a journalist from London and is instantly attracted towards her. Shackled by his own relationship a tired Haris looses control of his car which careens off the road on to the pavement, crashing on to a street sign.
After the initial shock Haris soon realizes that the street sign he crashed in to is actually flashing messages for him. He soon takes the cue and tries to kindle a relationship with Sara. Sara too feels the attraction but feels a duty towards her ex-husband Rowland. She had pledged to rekindle her relationship with her ex-husband and feels burdened by it.



Haris, going, with the advice from the sign board decides to charter his own path. Afraid about the impossibility of an relationship with Sara he goes out with a ditzy blonde SandDEe. SandDEe a wannabe model is a perfect airhead but still Haris moves along with her. During their dates he comes to know that Trudi is cheating on him with his agent and this information sets him free. He, geting hold of his life, tries once again with Sara. But this time the road block is because of Sandra and the sign board again helps him. He does get his wish and the right thing in his life.
This movie was the 20th best film of the last century as voted by the LA Times. It wowed the critics and the audience being one of the top grosser for 1991. This comedy also being a satire is a look in to the city of Los Angeles and its people. It has all the ingredients of the LA life, with Hollywood coming in with frequent references. Apart from the lead actors, there are also uncredited appearances from Chevy Chase, Woody Harrelson, Paula Abdul, Martin Lawrence, Rick Moranis and Terry Jones. The soundtrack and the music of this movie has a great fan following. Three songs from Enya, “Exile”, “on your shore” and “Epona” can also be heard in the movie.
Steve Martin as usual excels in his role superbly assisted by Victoria Tennant. The one liners and the conversations between them never fail to evoke the chuckle and at the same time says something about the love unattained. SandDEe played by Sarah Jessica Parker is another amazing actress and plays the airhead to perfection. According to the movie she is a “spokesmodel” which actually is a model who speaks and to top it all she is taking a course for it. More than the story, I really liked the movie for its quotable quotes and to have them on your repertoire would spice up any conversation. Just as Steve Martin's character Haris says in the movie "Life is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." but still the laughter goes on.

Roxanne (released in 1987) - a comedy in a small town, starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah

Roxanne, starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah in the lead was released in 1987. This comedy is adapted from the verse play Cyrano de Bergerac by the French Author Edmond Rostand. The screen play was written by Steve Martin and is directed by Fred Shepisi.
Napoleon had once famously remarked that he preferred men with long noses, but CD Bales the Fire chief of Pacific North west would beg to differ. Steve Martin stars as Bales, the acrobatic do gooder fire chief who has a humongous nose. This fleshy accessory on his face makes his life miserable and his love life bitter. Bales is very sensitive about his nose matters and people who know him never mention this twitchy subject. The object of his affection is Roxanne, an astronomer, beautiful as a star she watches. Roxanne is in love with Chris, a dim witted fireman whom Bales cannot stand.
But the gallant Bales does not come in between Roxanne's love and suppresses his feelings. His only outlet being the poems he writes which he allows Chris to submit before his lady love as his own. Another person in this loop is Dixie, Bale's sister who keeps this secret. Life moves on with Roxanne watching comets, and Bale's trying to move on with his life with another woman.



Roxanne soon finds herself dumped by Chris, who falls for another woman in another town. He leaves town after writing her a long letter. Dixie tells her the truth about the poems and a devastated Roxanne confronts Bales. She accuses him of leading her on with a doomed relationship with an incompatible guy. A cornered Bales hits back telling Roxanne, that her quest for a perfect handsome guy was the root cause for her condition. As they argue and part but somewhere a spark is lit. In the end they discover the true love for each other and are soon engaged. Roxanne tells her besotted lover that his long nose gives him character and now would consider a flat nose too bland and boring. As the nosy angst ends for C.D. Bales, curtain draws on this happy ending.
Steve Martin was widely appreciated for his role as CD Bales and this won him a Golden Globe nomination for the Best Actor. He also won the National Society of Film Critics Award, Writers Guild of America Award and Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Actor. This delightful romantic comedy also finds its place among Bravo's “100 funniest movies of the century”. Steve Martin who essays the role of CD Bales pays homage to the original by taking the name of Cyreno de Bergerac (CD) and considered this as a watershed movie of his career.
This movie has many slapstick comedy moments which tickles your funny bone. Just do not go looking for high brow satire for you will be sorely disappointed. Enjoy the show and see the funny nosy man win his love and I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Pennies from Heaven (released in 1981) - A musical film starring Steve Martin

Pennies from Heaven is a 1981 Holly wood musical adapted from the BBC drama series of the the same name by Dennis Porter. Porter was nominated for the Oscar for the “best adapted Screenplay category” eventually loosing to the acclaimed “Golden Pond”. Directed by Herbert Ross it stars Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters in the title roles.
This depression era story is about Arthur Parker, a music sheet salesman who is down in the dumps with his relationships and finances. His relationship with his wife hits rock bottom as she frigidly resists his sexual advances. Frustrated by her lack of interest he moves out to sell his music. Joan, Arthur's wife is also un-supportive of his venture to open his own record store. Arthur leaves home threatening never to return.
That fateful day he meets Eileen, a plain school teacher with whom he falls in love at first sight. Eileen leaves with out paying any attention but becomes interested when he follows her to the farm. Soon Arthur and Eileen are engaged in a relationship and he lies to her about his wife. He plays on Eileen's sympathies for a sexual relationship. But soon Arthur returns home to Joan leaving her stranded. Joan and Arthur try to make their marriage work but are frustrated about their different outlook about relationships. Arthur and Eileen on the other hand are sexually compatible with Eileen enjoying his fantasies. Joan reluctantly finances his record store venture, but even that business languishes as customers are scarce. Eileen meanwhile gets pregnant and is fired from her job. She never finds Arthur as all his addresses turns out to be a fake one.



A desperate Eileen is forced to have an abortion and soon is drawn in to prostitution by a pimp, Tom. Arthur and Joan come to terms with their incompatibility and Arthur seeks out Eileen. He finds her as a prostitute and proposition her. Soon they decide to run away to start life anew. But as luck could have it Arthur is framed for the murder of a blind girl whom he helps across a bridge and Eileen runs out on him. Arthur is sentenced to the gallows where he sings out the song “Pennies from Heaven” to underscore the shortness of life. The audience is treated to a dream ending where Arthur and Eileen wind up together.
This movie was a box office disaster even though critical acclaim was more forth coming. The elaborate song and dance routine's sort of bored the audience in-spite of credible acting performances. Steve Martin as a music salesman was appreciated, but the audiences could never accept him in a serious role especially after the success of the comic caper like “Jerk”. It was nominated for 3 Academy awards and Golden Globes. Bernadette Peters won the golden Globe for her portrayal of Eileen. The song and dance numbers are still popular and are lip synced. But still the film lacks a soul to make the audience feel an empathy for the poor sexually starved characters.
I would never recommend watching this movie, better depression era saga's are made for movie lovers.

The Jerk (released in 1979) - a comedy film, Steve Martin's first starring role in a movie

This all out American comedy directed by Carl Steiner stars Steve Martin in the title role. It also stars Bernadette Peters, Jackie Mason and Emmett Walsh.
The movie follows Navin R. Johnson, the white son of poor African American Sharecroppers who feels faint suspicion about himself being adopted. All his black family members can belt out the blues while Navin cannot sing even for a penny. But he discovers his hidden talents of dance when he hears Roger Wolfe Kahn Orchestra Song called "Crazy Rhythm" on the radio and he hitch hikes to St. Louis to better himself. While at the boarding house he is awakened by a dog whom he assumes is trying to save him from the fire. He wakes up the entire hotel and is berated by the irate guests when it turns out to be a hoax. One of the guests name the dog shithead and the name is adopted by Navin throughout the movie.
Navin finds himself a job at a gas station and is thrilled to find himself listed on the phone book. But a psychopath, randomly picking up a name from the phone book zeroes on him to be his next victim. Navin oblivious of the danger is busy with his life and inventions. He tries to fix the slippery glasses of a customer using a nose break and a handle, and pleased with his effort the customer promises him a royalty if his invention turns out to be a success.



Meanwhile the assassin pursues Navin who is forced to run away from the gas station. He enrolls himself in a traveling circus where he meets the stunt women Patty Bernstein with whom he has sexual relations. Soon he finds the woman of his dreams in Marie Peters and both fall in love. But Marie realizes love sustains only with money and leaves him due to his financial insecurity.
As luck could have it, his glasses invention becomes a runaway success and is called “Optigrab” in the market. The royalties make Navin a wealthy man and he buys a huge mansion with his profits. He finds and marries Marie and lives an extravagant lifestyle. But one of the customers file a law suit against his invention as it makes him cross eyed and soon 10 million others follow. Navin is soon bankrupt and is forced on the streets with his remote, a paddle ball game and some matches. He leaves Marie to wander about in the streets. Marie contacts his family who in turn have become wealthy by careful investments of Navin's money sent to them. They pick him from the streets and take him to his now renovated old house. Navin realizes the wonder of family and all of them sing the blues away in perfect sync.
This rags to riches story was one of the greatest hits of the year and is considered as one of the best comedies of the century. It is recognized as one of the 100 best comic films by the American Film Institute and is also considered as the best performances by Steve Martin.
This is a Steve Martin movie all the way with the funny man presiding over all the frames and getting the best one liners. But it has tender moments and delivers a impassioned lookout for racism. It is really a feel good moment when Steve strikes out against “Iron-Mcginty” for calling African American's derogatory words. His relationships with both the women he meets is hilarious and sometimes tender. A nice movie to get the blues to energize you.

Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) (released in 1931) - starring Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Jean Hersholt and Alan Hale

This movie is an adaptation from a racy novel of the same name from David Graham Phillips. Directed by Cedric Gibbons, this early sound film has Greta Garbo and Clarke Gable in the pivotal roles.
Helga is raised by her uncle Ohlin on his farm and has to contend with a grim treacherous life as she was born out of wedlock. Ohlin plans to wed his illegitimate niece to a monstrous Mondstrum whom Helga hates. On the day of a storm Ohlin persuades Mondstrum to stay the night at the farm and he attempts to molest Helga. Fighting off his advances she runs out in to the storm, never to go back. After wandering around she hides herself on a barn and survives the storm. She is soon discovered by Rodney Spencer, an engineer who had the barn for a weekend. Having nowhere to go Helga stays with Rodney and they soon develop a liking for each other. A relationship blossoms and the lovey-dovey pair soon set a date for the wedding.
Rodney has to move out urgently on business and he promises to be back as soon as possible. Meanwhile Mondstrum and Ohlin track Helga down and she flees to save herself from their clutches. She is not able to leave any forwarding messages for Rodney and finds a hideout with a moving carnival. She christens herself as Susan Lennox and work as a dancer/ acrobat for the carnival whose boss, Burlingham has a shady reputation as a womanizer. Rodney meanwhile tracks her down and becomes livid when he comes to know about the “terms of employment”. He leaves in anger after telling her about the consequences she would face.



Susan leaves the carnival and for self preservation and survival becomes the mistress of a driven Mike Kelly who nurses political ambitions. She lives a life of luxury albeit “a kept one”. But by the quirk of fate she meets Rodney whose career has nosedived because of his drinking binges. She realizes that her feelings for him has never changed and clandestinely invites him over for a party. Rodney harboring anger and hate has heated exchanges with her before storming out embarrassing Susan in front of others.
Stricken Susan leaves the comfortable position of a “well kept woman” and tries to track down Rodney. She also meets Ian Keith, a decent honorable man who falls in love with her and proposes to her. He does not care about her checkered past and wants her present for himself. But on finding Rodney, she is momentarily torn between the pure selfless love of Keith and anger in Rodney. But she realizes that her love for Rodney is far greater and both of them reconcile to give a life together another chance.
This movie is a Greta Garbo vehicle who through her star power and acting prowess breathes life in to the role which is handicapped by a weak script. The movie has long gap of silences which bores the viewer. Apart from this the sizzling chemistry between Clark Gable and Garbo lifts the mundane proceedings to another level. This is in-spite of their mutual dislike for each other and is a hallmark of their professionalism. A romantic drama for a rainy day.

Wild Orchids (released in 1929) - starring Greta Garbo, Lewis Stone and Nils Asther

A love triangle of passion and adultery amidst the exotic location of the Javanese tea plantations. This movie was directed by Sidney Franklin and stared Greta Garbo as the passionate, frustrated wife opposite Lewis stone and Nils Asther. This movie was Garbo's seventh silent movie and 15th in her career. It also featured Swedish actor Nils Asther with whom she would star another movie in the same year.
John and Lillie Sterling are a married couple who sail to Java to explore investing options in the Javanese Tea market. John is a workaholic and very neglectful and this hurts his passionate and romantic wife. Aboard the ship, Lillie chances upon an act of violence, where a man severely manhandles his servant for a minor transgressions. This man is Prince de Gace who is enamored by this mysterious and live wire of a woman. He contrives a plan to reach the wife through the husband and develops John Sterlings acquaintance with his vast knowledge about the Tea market.
John is suitably impressed by the Prince and introduces him to his wife. Lillie recognizes the Prince, as the man who was cruel to his servant and does not encourage his attentions. This inflames his passions and the Prince pursues her more. He invites John to stay at his estate ostensibly to develop more understanding about the market and proceeds to woo Lillie. She tries to confide in her husband, but he turns a deaf ear to her entreaties. Lillie in desperation offers to accompany her husband in his professional investigations.



But John refuses her offer and leaves the plantation on his projects. The Prince intensifies his efforts and forces him upon her for a kiss. Lillie, confused about her emotions, embraces and kisses him back. John returns at this moment and the Prince sends Lillie to her room and substitutes a servant girl in his arms. But John suspicions are confirmed when he finds Lillie's earrings. An enraged John plots revenge for his humiliation.
He proposes a Tiger hunt with the Prince and before embarking on the hunt he empties the bullets from the gun. The prince realizes that his gun is empty while shooting a large man eater. He tries to flee when he finds that he would have to combat John, with a fully loaded gun. As the tiger pounces upon him John fires and the Prince gets hurt. Disgusted at his own behavior John plans to leave for America, alone. But Lillie, realizing the John's worth compared to the Casanova in Java reaffirms her love for him.
This silent movie has an amazing sound track with background noises of animals, birds, crowded streets, traffic and the eerie jungle all well laid out. This romantic drama was one of the monster hits of that year with superb performances from Greta Garbo, Nils Asther and Lewis Stone. Garbo as the younger wife of a staid 50's something man who is drawn to the excitement which the Prince offers is simply superb. Catch this movie if you can.

The Single Standard (released in 1929) - starring Greta Garbo, Nils Asther, and Johnny Mack Brown

This movie starts with the premise that “Men always have done as they pleased and women have done as men pleased”. This ultimate Garbo silent movie features her as a free thinking, independent mesmerizing débutante. This MGM vehicle was directed by John. S. Robertson starring Nils Asther and Johnny Mack Brown along with Garbo. It was adapted from the novel of the same name by Adela Rogers St. John.
Arden Stuart, a wealthy socialite is disgusted by the Victorian practices among her circle where men do as they pleased behind their wife's back and another set of rules for the fairer sex. She feels a “single Standard should apply for both the sexes" and takes steps not to fall in to that trap. To start with she goes all alone for a night drive with her chauffeur and woos him. This ends in a tragedy as the chauffeur commits suicide when he is fired.
At a chance visit to a gallery, Arden meets Packy Canon who is an ex-prize fighter turned painter. His charisma, good looks and bohemian life style floors Arden and they sail away for a blissful holiday in his yacht “All Alone”. They may be prude for todays Internet generation for this blissful interlude includes no sex, only sun bathing and hand holding on the deck of the yacht. But still Arden is subjected to vicious gossip as she returns home. Soon Packy feels the need to go to Paris and around the world to fulfill his artistic aspirations. He insists on dropping Arden home before jetting off. Arden recognizing the need for his independence is heart broken. But she does not stop him.



At home her childhood friend from her social circle again asks for her hand in marriage. Tommy is a wealthy man but staid and prudish who loves her deeply. He says that her past and all the yacht sojourn would not matter if she accepts the proposal. He even accepts the fact that her heart is with passionate Packy and would return to him if called. So on the rebound Arden marries him and also has a beautiful son whom she adores. Life goes on in a routine with not much of excitement to rock the boat. But the yacht returns with Packy who realizes his mistake and has come to claim Arden. Arden is soon torn between excitement and her love for her son.
Tommy soon confronts Packy with the gun and offers to stage a hunting accident to free Arden to marry him to prevent a jolt to his son. He begs Packy not to sully the relationship for the time being. Meanwhile Arden feels her passion is soon out weighed by her maternal feelings and opts for tommy instead. She comes to know Tommy's hunting exercises and stops him. They watch as Packy sails down the ocean and vow to relearn their relationship.
This movie was one of Garbo's last silent movies and was one of the top box office earners. Garbo as usual outshines everybody with her acting prowess and bewitching eyes. But Nils Asther and Johnny Brown hold on their own, but still Garbo owns her movies. Another trivia that may amuse is that slacks was first worn by Garbo in this movie and a new trend was started for all independent women. Good movie for all those romantics out there.

Inspiration (released in 1931) - Starring Greta Garbo, Robert Montgomery, Lewis Stone, Marjorie Rambeau and Judith Vosselli

This movie solely rest on the able shoulders of Greta Garbo with everything, the weak script, low chemistry, insipid acting and tiring story fading in to nothingness. Garbo illuminates each and every scene.
This movie directed by Clarence Brown, stars Greta Garbo as the older women falling for a younger man played by Robert Montgomery. This is the only movie in which Garbo acted with Robert Montgomery. Directed by Garbo's favorite director Clarence Brown, this movie is a modernized version of Alphonse Daudet's novel, Sappho.
Yvonne is a worldly wise model in Paris who has gone through all the vices the world can offer. She goes through her lovers to keep her life in Paris, smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish and lives life of a gay abandon. At a party he chances upon Andre a small time engineer keeping life afloat and falls in love with him. She leaves her society and all her lovers to live her life with him. But Andre is aghast at her past and Yvonne moves out to give him some space. But soon she returns to start life again and this time a jealous Andre leaves her heart broken. She descends in to poverty and is a pale shadow of her older self.



Both Yvonne and Andre cross paths with each other again and this time he decides to stay put with her. He tries to tell her about a respectable marriage he has contracted and Yvonne begs him to be with her. He also mentions about a great project he has achieved which means traveling abroad. But sensing her desperation Andre chooses his love over his career. He decides to stay with her and buys an estate to keep Yvonne in Paris.
Yvonne slowly realizes the chains she is putting him in. So as he lies sleeping in the couch she writes a letter about her love for him and his need to get on his life and career with out her. She keeps the letter next to him and leaves the place.
This movie was pilloried by all the critics for poor script, and bad acting. It is said that Garbo never liked the character she played and was never pleased with the dialogues. After this movie she had serious differences with the director Clarence Brown and stopped working in his movies. Apart from Garbo's screen presence, the only saving grace of this movie is the art direction. There is one scene where Garbo rejected by her lover, walks aimlessly through the streets of Paris and come to rest at a seedy restaurant. The lighting and the mood brings out the vulnerable woman in her. The lighting and camera angles compliments Garbo in every way and lifts a mundane movie to the next level.
Well nothing much can be said about the other characters because it is just Garbo all the way. Just see it for her sake.

Queen Christina (released in 1933) - Starring Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Ian Keith and Lewis Stone

This movie is loosely based on the life and times of the Swedish queen Christina. It was an American precode film staring Greta Garbo, John Gilbert and is directed by Edward Mamoulian.
After her father King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden is killed in battle, six year old Christina enters the throne. She accepts the throne as a king of Sweden and is guided by chancellor Oxenstierna. Although in her younger days she support the war efforts, she soon estranges herself from the courtiers by denouncing the war effort. She tells everybody her decision to negotiate peace for her people. Chancellor Oxenstierna exhorts her to marry the war hero prince Palatine Charles Gustavus and do her royal duty of producing an heir. But Christina refuses to marry without love. She flirts with Count Magnus, her handsome treasury secretary. Magnus is ambitious and jealously guards her affections. Soon tiring out of Magnus's possessive nature Christina rides out disguised as a man to the countryside.
Here she encounters an overturned carriage of the Spanish ambassador, Antonio and she helps them to move the carriage. Antonio takes her to be a country man and coolly murmurs his thanks and rides off. But they meet again at the inn and still mistaking her for a man, Antonio engages her in a lively discussion.



Amused by her intelligence and wit Antonio offers to share his room and Christina accepts. But in the confines of the room Christina reveals her true self and Antonio takes her in to his arms. Soon the lovers spend a gay weekend at the inn immersed in themselves and Antonio returns to court after promising his return to the inn.
Christina also returns to court and is confronted by a jealous Magnus. But she rebuffs him and dresses herself as an angel for the presentation ceremony by the Spanish Ambassador. Antonio is surprised to see her as the queen and accuses her of playing with his emotions. But he presents her with his kings portrait and a marriage proposal which she accepts. She spends time with Antonio which enrages Magnus. He spreads rumors of her scandalous conduct and is confronted by an angry mob. After ordering Antonio back to Spain she confronts Magnus and dismisses him off her affections.
She calls on Oxenstierna to confer about her future and informs the heart broken court of her decision to abdicate. She installs another king and plans to meet Antonio at their inn. But Magnus challenges Antonio to a duel and fatally wounds him by treachery. When Christina reaches him, Antonio dies in her arms. Even in her grief Christina realizes that she had found love and resolves to sail to Spain to see her beloveds castle by the sea.
This movie had won the Mussolini cup at he Venice film festival and marks Greta Garbo's return to cinema after a eighteen month long hiatus. The film was well received by all the contemporary film critics. The highlight of the film is its direction where light and shadow is used to create each frame, a work of art. The last scene of Christina returning home is one of the most beautiful movie frames in the history of cinema. Even though a fictionalized account, this movie is a well made film with believable characters.

The Kiss (released in 1929) - starring Greta Garbo, Conrad Nagel and Lew Ayres

The Kiss was Greta Garbo's and MGM's last silent movie. It is a 1929 drama film directed by Jacques Feyder and starring Greta Garbo, Conrad Nagel and Lew Ayres in his first feature film. This movie was also Garbo's last picture with Conrad Nagel. It is rumored that Garbo had to choose from two movies, the Divorce and the Kiss. Garbo opted for the Kiss and Norma Shearer starred in The Divorce which won her an Oscar. Garbo's career never had an Oscar moment and this was one of the greatest injustices in cinematic history.
Irene, a fascinating young woman is trapped in a loveless marriage with a much older Guarry. She is scared of her husbands jealous nature and silently bears the emotional abuse. A clandestine affair with a young lawyer Andre sustains her, but Irene scared of her husbands fiery nature brings the affair to a close. As they part, a heartbroken Andre leaves for Paris and Irene is once again alone with her loneliness.
Pierre, a young son of a Lyon financier Lassalle, is besotted by Irene. Lassalle is a partner of Guarry. Irene does not reciprocate Pierre's feelings and on the eve of going off to college he begs a kiss from her. She gives him a chaste kiss but Pierre forcibly takes a passionate one. Guarry returns to witness this stormy scene and attacks the youngster. In the scuffle Guarry is killed and Pierre is on the run. Lassalle forces Pierre to keep his silence about this affair.



Irene recounts the whole incident to the police and tries to keep Pierre out of the loop. Her accounts are so full of contradictions and loopholes that the police start suspecting her. Lassalle pitches in saying that Guarry was despondent about the business and was suicidal. Brought to trial Irene is defended by Andre and he gets her acquitted of all the charges. But Irene confesses to him that she indeed had killed Guarry to protect the boy's life. Andre forgives her and the two lovers reunite.
This final silent film had two sounds, the gunshot and the incessant ringing of the telephone. Belgian director Jacques Feyder used both the pantomime format and the aforementioned sound effects -- a gunshot and the incessant ringing of a telephone -- to optimum effect. The screenplay is very weak and only saving grace is Greta Garbo's acting. Garbo breathes life in to the proceedings with her society lady act who is driven to murder. Her acting makes the character's nobility very believable.
The Kiss was a silent film with a sound track and lasted only for 60 minutes. It was not a big box office success, but off late has been on the news for Garbo's luminous presence. Her compassion, love and generosity comes through her kiss with young Pierre.

Conquest (released in 1937) - Starring Greta Garbo, Charles Boyer and Reginald Owen

Conquest is a movie about Countess Marie Walewska who becomes the mistress of Napolean Bonaparte to safeguard the interests of her country. This enigmatic polish countess was the mistress of Napolean and even comforted him during his days in exile.
This movie stars Greta Garbo as Marie Walewska along with Cajrles Boyer, Reginald Owen, dame May Witty and others. The movie was adapted by S. N. Behrman, Samuel Hoffenstein, Helen Jerome and Salka Viertel from the novel Pani Walewska by Waclaw Gasiorowski and it was directed by Clarence Brown.
Marie Walewska is the beautiful wife of the polish count Walewska. In the winter of 1807,the pillaging Russian soldiers over run Eastern Poland, the land of Count and Countess Walewska. They make fun of the aging Count and his young wife and they become mortally afraid of the Russian Army. Marie's brother informs her about the exploits of Napoleon and when Marie briefly meets him at a church she is suitably impressed as he is enthralled by her beauty. After two months she is formally presented to the French emperor at the court and she is grateful that Napoleon makes no allusion about their earlier meetings.



Napoleon is totally taken in by Marie and send her love notes begging her responses. She confides in her husband who tries to take her away. But the Polish leaders, seeing a chance to liberate Poland, urge her to give in to Napoleon. A patriotic Marie gives in and begins to have an affair with Napoleon. Even though she trades her virtue for her country, she slowly falls in love with the charismatic emperor.
Marie's husband leaves for Rome and gets a divorce which enables her to stay with the emperor. Napoleon takes up his quarters within Marie's home and their idyllic trysts are only marred by Napoleon's frequent absences. Soon Marie is pregnant and she awaits the birth of her baby in secret. She leaves to meet Napoleon in Vienna where she comes to know that he is to marry Princess Marie Louise of Austria of the Hapsburg dynasty. He tells her the blue bloodline of the Hapsburg's would enable him to create his own bloodline of rulers.
A devastated Marie returns to Poland and gives birth to a son Alexandre. She never informs Napoleon about his son. Soon the fortunes of Napoleon change for the worst and he suffers successive defeats at the hands of the Russians and the English. After the disastrous campaign of Waterloo napoleon is exiled to the Island of Elba. Marie and her son live with him till he dies.
This movie was one of the most disastrous movie in Greta Garbo's career and was a loss making venture for MGM studios. Actually it is said to have marked the downfall of Greta Garbo's career with her being more and more reclusive. The costumes, cinematography, sound, music and art are to perfection and Garbo looks the part of the ethereal beauty Marie. But it is still a critically acclaimed movie which presents the facts with considerable accuracy. The movie was nominated for two Oscars namely, for the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Charles Boyer) and Best Art Direction (Cedric Gibbons and William A. Horning}.

As You Desire Me (released in 1932) - Starring Greta Garbo, Erich von Stroheim and Melvyn Douglas

This is about a women who has no past and is claimed by many people as their own. “As you desire me” stars Greta Garbo in the title role along with Melvyn Douglas, Eric Von Stronheim and Hedda hopper. This movie was directed by George Fitzmaurice and is adopted from the play of the same name by Luigi Pirandello. This is the only movie where Greta Garbo plays a blonde character. The running time for the movie is 71 minutes and is one of the shortest of her Hollywood movies.
Garbo plays Zara, a sultry night club singer for whom men and booze are a weakness. She lives with Karl Saltzer, a novelist who loves her and tolerates her drinking binges and picking up strange men. Zara never can love Karl as he loves her, and this is evident from her offhand behavior with him. But everything changes when she encounters, Tony at one of her performances. He calls her “Maria” and tells her that she is in fact the wife of Count Bruno Varelli who had gone missing during world war I. He informs her that her husband and himself were looking for her for the past ten years.
Zara scoffs at his claims and orders him out. But his persistence pays off and she relents to meet Bruno Varelli at his estate, much to the dismay of Karl. Karl threatens and shoots her arm to prevent her from leaving him, but Zara moves to Bruno's estate with Tony. Bruno is ecstatic to receive his wife, but Zara arrives as a stranger, not recognizing her servants or Bruno himself. She refuses to stay at the estate but acquiesces to the persistent pleading of the other members. She asks Bruno to help her find in herself, Maria, the women he really desires.
Slowly as their understanding grows, Zara falls in love with Bruno and decides to devote her life to him. But when she actually finds love which had eluded her so long, Karl returns with the final blow.
Karl meets Ines, Maria's sister and asks for her help to expose Zara as an impostor. Ines informs Zara that one week from her return, Maria was to be legally declared dead and all the property would have been transferred to her. She insinuates that Bruno had imposed the identity of Maria upon her to safeguard the property. Zara is devastated and feels that Bruno's love is in-fact for the money. Karl brings in an heavily veiled women whom he claims to be the real Maria. He informs Zara that Maria was imprisoned at a sanatorium to enable Bruno to run the estate. The veiled lady recognizes all her servants and sister, that everybody is convinced that she is the real Maria.
But soon he truth comes out that the veiled lady is in-fact the impostor who had lived among them in the estate. Bruno tired of all the games confesses his love for Zara and tells her that his feelings would never change even if she is proved not to be Maria. Zara accepts his declaration with happiness and they are reunited. This movie was a box-office success for MGM and still considered one of the nicest romantic movies of all times.

Grand Hotel (released in 1932) - Starring Greta Garbo, John Barrymore and Joan Crawford

This American drama film is directed by Edmund Goudling and is adapted from a the novel Menschen im Hotel by Vicki Baum. This movie stars Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Lionel Barrymore and John Barrymore.
This movie opens with Doctor Otternschlag, a disfigured veteran who stays permanently at the Grand Hotel remarking “Grand Hotel....People come and go. Nothing ever happens”. After this seemingly innocuous remark, acts as a catalyst for a chain of events at the hotel. Baron Felix Von Geigern, a jewel thief and a master card player stays at the hotel undertaking small time theft and forgery. He is a noble man who has lost his fortune. The Baron befriend Otto Kringelein, a small time accountant who is fatally ill. He stays at The Grand to spend his last days in the lap of luxury. Kringelein's ex-boss is Director Preysing who is an wealthy industrialist staying at the Grand to ink a large deal. He hires a stenographer Flaemmchen who wants to be an actress. She shows Preysing her audacious photographs and hints that she is willing to do anything to be a star. Preysing soon starts an affair with her.



Another guest, Grusinskaya is a famous ballet dancer who is tired of the world. She unexpectedly returns home and finds the Baron rummaging through her jewels. She says ”I want to be alone”, mistaking him to be a part of the staff. But the Baron stays and engages in a conversation which brings them both closer. After the conversation the guilty Baron returns her jewels and Grusinskaya invites him to accompany her to Vienna. The Baron agrees and engages to meet her at the train station.
The Baron joins Flaemmchen and Kringelien for afternoon tea, where a coquettish Flaemmchen cajoles Kringelien to dance. Preysing who arrives is consumed with jealousy and imperiously tells Flaemmchen to stop. All are disgusted by his uncouth behavior and Kringelien gives him a piece of his mind. Preysing gets angry and the situation is diffused by the baron's intervention. The Baron tries to steal from the intoxicated Kringelien, but seeing his pathetic condition returns his wallet back. He turns his attention to Preysing instead.
But as fate would have it the baron is caught by Preysing stealing his papers and in the scuffle bludgeons him to death. Flaemmchen arrives at the scene and runs to Kringelien who confronts Preysing. They summon the police and Preysing is summarily arrested. Oblivious of the Baron's fate, Grunskaya waits at the train station for him and grieves when the Baron does not arrive. Flaemmchen and Kringelien leave for Paris to try a new cure and vow to be be with each other. As they leave the hotel, Doctor Otternschlag once again observes, "Grand Hotel. People come and go. Nothing ever happens.".
This movie may be a tedious watch for many as there are lot of a interconnecting events with no story to hold your attention. Btu it is critically acclaimed movie. The film is the only motion picture to have won the Academy Award for Best Picture, with that category being the sole category in which it was nominated. In 2007, Grand Hotel was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Another cause for its fame is Garbo's famous opening line “I want to be Alone” which is often alluded to her in real life. Garbo's reclusive nature fueled speculations that these lines were actually spoken by her in real life.

Ninotchka (released in 1939) - A comedy starring Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas

This is the penultimate movie starring Greta Garbo and is an all out comedy which is a first for the actress, who was always revered for her tear jerkers. This movie made by MGM is directed by Ernst Lubitsch and also stars Melvyn Douglas opposite Garbo. This movie portrays the communist Russia to be a drab place compared to a Parisian Joie de vivre. It is one of the movies which makes veiled criticism about Joseph's Stalin's autocratic rule.
Three Russian agents, Iranoff, Buljanoff and Kopalski are deputed to sell the confiscated jewels of Countess Swana to raise money for the party. They reach Paris and stay in a posh hotel where they are overheard by one of the waiters Alexis Rakonin, an Impoverished Russian Count. He alerts Swana who is residing in Paris and her lover Count Leon d'Algout promises her the return of her jewels. Count Leon befriends the three men and show them the sights and signs of Paris which makes them wonder at their drab life style. Meanwhile Swana obtains an injunction preventing the sale of the jewels in Paris. The higher ups in the Soviet Union are furious by the turn of events and send their super spy "Envoy Extraordinary" Nina "Ninotchka" Ivanovna Yakushova to bring the three men home and facilitate the sale of the jewels. Ninotchka is a stern woman who thinks of Russia and her duty. After chastising her comrades, she also tours Paris soaking in the architectural wonders. She meets Leon who tries to flirt with her and gets a royal ignore. For Ninotchka he is an example of western decadence and soon learns his identity. Leon also comes to know about her and is intrigued by her persona.



Leon follows her to a cafe and jokes with Ninotchka to get to know her better. Even though his jokes fall flat, he manages to melt her heart. Soon both enjoy each others company and Ninotchka becomes a changed woman. She dresses and enjoys the opulence of the city and soon falls in love with the count.
A much drunk Leon and Ninotchka return to the hotel and she tries the jewels on Leon before falling asleep. Next day she gets a call from Swana that she had the jewels stolen from her room by Rakonin and names her price for their retrieval – Leon. Ninotchka agrees and goes back home. Leon pursues her and meets her when she reaches Istanbul on her next assignment. He persuades her not to leave and they live happily ever after.
This movie was banned in the Soviet Union for criticizing Stalin and Communism. But it still went on to be one of the top grosser of the year. It also snagged four Academy Award nominations including the one for Garbo, for the best actress.
In 1990, Ninotchka was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". It was also included on two American Film Institute lists and was also included on Time Magazine's All-Time 100 Movies.

Two Faced Woman (released in 1941) - Starring Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas

This movie directed by George Cukor stared Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas in the pivotal roles. It had Garbo playing a double role and MGM tried to have a make over for her from a super sexy siren to a simple sweater girl.
Workaholic New York Magazine editor Larry Blake visits an Idaho Ski Lodge for a relaxed weekend. Here he meets simple sweet Karin who works as a ski instructor at the lodge. The perennial flirt Larry hits on Karin and a minor accident throws them together for a long time. On an impulsive decision Karin and Larry get married and Larry promises to leave New York and his job for a simple life. But soon his boss O.O Miller arrives with Larry's secretary Ellis and drags him back for a urgent photo-shoot. Larry leaves promising Karin that he would be back pronto. But New York works its charms again and Larry continues his old life.
Karin after many telegrams with Ellis reaches New York and find Larry happily entrenched in his work. She with the help of Ellis goes shopping and gets a make over as her super sexy alter ego Katherine to smite Larry. But at a play backed by Larry, Karin hears him flirting with his old flame Griselda Vaughn. A distraught Karin tries to leave and soon runs in to Larry's boss Miller. She makes him believe that she is Katherine, Karin's twin sister and soon has a dinner invitation from Miller. Larry is dumbfounded to see Karin enter in a super sexy avatar.



He is again taken aback when she drinks, smokes and dances with gay abandon. He tries to ascertain the facts by making a call to the ski lodge and confirms that Karin is indeed Katherine. Meanwhile Karin nursing a huge hang over is recuperating at the hotel when a n amused Larry accosts her. Determined to play her game he proposes to her and tells her that he wants to reform her after divorcing Karin.
Karin orders him out and when he tires to reach Idaho, she reaches before him and pretends to be her old self. Larry continues to play the game and taunts her even though she reveals the truth. Soon an exasperated Karin dumps him to go skiing followed by Larry who promptly falls in to the frozen lake. Karin rescues him and he says ”I am Larry's twin brother”. Karin accepts his joke and reunites with her husband.
This movie was generally pilloried by the public and the critics. It created such a furore for being immoral that the Catholic church urged a blanket ban. Garbo was distressed by the turn of events and battled with MGM over her role. Even though her sunny acting shines through he romantic comedy, insiders report that she was morose and depressed than ever.
This movie was Garbo's final film role after which she turned in to a virtual recluse shunning the public eye. But still I would recommend a look for the sorcery of acting from the genius like Garbo which made even a mediocre movie memorable.

Camille (released in 1936) - Starring Greta Garbo, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, and Elizabeth Allan

The movie Camille starring Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor has inspired countless songs and love sonnets for the cupid struck heart. This romantic drama made the song “I'll Love Like Robert Taylor, Be My Greta Garbo.” by Milton Benjamin is the great testament for the chemistry shared by the all time greats. This movie was directed by George Cukor was a success at the box office and was also critically acclaimed. The picture is based on the 1852 novel and play La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas.
Marguerite Gautier is the Lady of the Camellias because of her marked preference for these flowers. This beautiful French courtesan was generous and large hearted which marks a sharp decline in her savings. To arrest the downward spiral of her income, her friend Providence urges her to find a rich patron. She plans to introduce her to Baron de Varville, a rich man completely besotted by Marguerite's charm. But at the theater Marguerite meets Armand and falls for him thinking him to be the Baron. But she is forced to leave Armand's side when the real baron arrives, but gives him the key to her apartment.
Marguerite becomes the baron's mistress and has a lavish life style. When the Baron leaves for Russia she stays back and again meets Armand. Armand tells her about his deep feelings and urges her to come away with him. Marguerite asks him to come later, but has to rebuff him as the baron has returned.



A heartbroken Armand asks his father for some money and plans to travel the world. Marguerite on receiving his bitter note of farewell goes to met him and he persuades her to come to the country with him. At the country Marguerite's health improves and they spend a gay summer falling in love with each other again. But Armand's father concerned about his son reaches his place and begs Marguerite to leave his son alone. He reminds her about her position in the society and the doom which would fall on Armand if seen in her company.
A grieving Marguerite returns back to the Baron who takes her back but on lesser generous terms. She resumes her life as a courtesan, but the rigors of this life ruins her health completely. Severely ill and in debt she writes to see Armand one last time. Armand returns to her and Camille dies in his arms assuring herself that she never was more happier.
This movie received four academy award nominations including the one for bEst actress for Greta Garbo. She won the New York Film critics circle award for the best actress. It also made the times list of 100 great movies ever made.
This romantic movie is one tear jerker ever made. It tugs at your heart strings and Greta Garbo as the beautiful and vulnerable courtesan with the heart of gold is splendid. Her chemistry with Robert Taylor is something unmeasurable. A really good watch for those rainy days with a blanket and popcorn.

Anna Christie (released in 1930) - Starring Greta Garbo, Charles Bickford, George F. Marion, and Marie Dressler

Anna Christie is a landmark film where Garbo makes the successful transition from the silent era to the talkies. It is said that the studio had prepared her assiduously to make the change with success, unlike many other stars who failed with sound. MGM coached Garbo so well that even her Swedish accent was completely removed. Additional publicity material with the tag-line “Garbo Talks” generated more interest in this movie. This movie was adapted from a Pulitzer prize winning play by Eugene O'Neill and was also a silent movie staring Blanche Sweet.
Anna Christie was directed by Clarence Brown and starred Greta Garbo, Charles Bickford and George F Marion. This movie was nominated for 3 academy awards including the one for best actress for Greta Garbo.
Garbo is Anna Christie, a waterfront prostitute who comes in search of her father to the barge. Her father had sent her off to a relative's farm and the abuse had forced Anna to run away and become a prostitute. She never forgives her father for abandoning her. Anna enters a saloon where her father's mistress is drinking and gives her first dialogue, the immortal line “Gif me a visky, ginger ale on the side, and don' be stingy, baby." Marthe, the mistress soon deduces her identity and tells her that her father Chris was hoping to see her as a lady and she would have to be one to refrain from hurting him. Anna agrees for the deception and lives with Chris as the dutiful daughter he is so proud off.



Anna and Marthe rescues a drowning sailor Matt and brings him to the barge. Soon an intimacy develops between the two and they even go on a date to Conney island. But Chris, her father disapproves of the relationship because he want her settled with a stable marriage and a house on the land. Anna also has secrets of her own and Marthe urges her to come clean to prevent a confrontation between Matt and Chris. She reveals her sordid life as a prostitute and Matt leaves in disgust. As Anna picks the broken pieces of her life she finds Matt waiting for her. He tells her that mistakes were made in the past by both of them and he is happy to be the first one to claim her love. The film ends in a happy note with a grand reunion.
The mystique of this film is all the more increased, as it is one of the last movies that Garbo posed for and promoted. She had her last photograph shot with the Maharajah of Kapurthala before retiring from public life. This movie was a monster hit of the year and also won accolades for Garbo's seamless transition and sound. It was also adapted in to the German Language and proved successful in the European markets. It also was made in to the silent version too, to cover more theaters. I would like to add that the secret allure of the movie is Garbo itself. See it for the amazing histrionics of the wonderful Greta Garbo