Greta Garbo

Just recently watched my first Greta Garbo movie "Camille" followed by "Anna Karenina" and then her silent film "Love". Anyone have Garbo favorites they recommend? If you're a fan, what do you consider her best?

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Permalink Reply by Opinionated-Gal on July 6, 2008 at 7:15pm: I was probably most impressed by her in Queen Christina. For a softer side of Garbo, and a really good movie, see Ninotchka. However, for an overall wonderful movie, in which she's just one of many fabulous 30's actors, you gotta see Grand Hotel.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jrim on July 7, 2008 at 6:09am: Added them to my queue! Thanks!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by maryhatchbailey on August 28, 2008 at 1:27pm: I think critics say that Camille is her best performance, but I agree with you O-G; my two favorite Garbo movies are Grand Hotel (How annoying is Barrymore's character?) and Ninotchka.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by QuickFics on July 6, 2008 at 8:04pm: I have to agree about "Grand Hotel". Great movie. Haven't watched it in a long while, so I'll have to stick in the DVD tonight. (Thanks a bunch, O-G. Not like I don't have enough on my plate already.)

Garbo, John and Lionel Barrymore, Joan Crawford, Wallace Beery and a huge number (would that be a "cavalcade"?) of character actors of the day.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by B-Independent.com on August 23, 2008 at 1:51pm: you've just sold me on thsi one. I've never seen Grand Hotel, and I'm not debating on whether to pick up the dvd or not. Doesn't Criterion have a release of GH?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daniel on August 19, 2008 at 1:20pm: Though it has been quite some time now since I watched it, one of my favorite Garbo films is Die Freudlose Gasse (The Joyless Street). That and Grand Hotel, which I just saw for the first time on TCM, are my favorites. I especially like Lionel Barrymore's performance in Grand Hotel.

I think The Temptress is one of her more under-rated films, and I'll second Camille and Ninotchka to round out my top 5.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by B-Independent.com on August 23, 2008 at 1:49pm: How was the print for GRAND HOTEL? I'm curios if they used a restored version for TCM.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daniel on August 23, 2008 at 4:00pm: It seemed like the print TCM aired was pretty solid, but I'm not sure if it was actually restored or not. TCM's site currently lists their next airdate as early morning on Nov. 9th.

It looks like there isn't a Criterion release for it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by B-Independent.com on August 24, 2008 at 7:18am: thanks for checking...guess i was just too lazy to do it myself. ;)

I was almost positive there was a nice 2 disc set for this, and for some reason I thought it was Criterion.

I don't know if I want to wait until the 9th, since i know i'll forgot between now and then. Let me make my way to eBay and see what I can dig up...I dont' like to Netflix classics, i prefer to own them....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jrim on August 24, 2008 at 5:05am: Just watched her fabulous old silent, The Mysterious Lady on TCM. She is so expressive! The print had a few problems but considering its age, not too bad.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by EmeraldIsle828 on December 29, 2008 at 3:52pm: I've not seen all her films, but I thought she was stunning in "Flesh and the Devil". When I saw her in that film, I finally 'got it' in regards to her beauty.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sevorin on January 19, 2009 at 3:21am: If you started with Camille you've already reached the mountain-top. We can fuss and argue over details, but the consumptive courtesan is her greatest performance.

It may not be her best film. Some critics accord that honor to Queen Christina or to Nontchka, but there's plenty of room for debate. Garbo, after all, was best known for playing the same role throughout her career -- a woman in love who's torn apart by divided loyalties.; ▶ Reply to This