GRAND HOTEL (1932)

[Larry's 66 Diner]

Unbelieveably, I watched Grand Hotel last night for — I am rather embarrassed to say — the first time! Somehow I thought I had seen it before but when I saw a clip of the movie recently, I realized I hadn't seen it at all. (It was broadcast on TCM yesterday morning and TC and I viewed it last night.)

This is quite a work of art for its time — definitely a pre-code! ;D Both Barrymores gave outstanding performances in their roles; Garbo and Crawford, of course, have never given a less-than-average performance that I've ever seen! :uhuh:

This movie had quite a star-studded cast for its day which also included Wallace Beery, Jean Hersholt, and legendary silent movie actor Lewis Stone! :thumbsup:

[Midge]

Grand Hotel was Hollywood's first all-star blockbuster, and it is worth watching just for the performances of the cast. Joan Crawford is a standout as Flaemmchen, the secretary. She showed that she was more than just a flapper or shopgirl type and that she could hold her own dramatically with the big stars. Grand Hotel was a big boost to her career.

Greta Garbo was the biggest name in the cast. Her role as the depressed ballerina Grusinskaya is no different than all the other tragic exotics she had already played in the silents. Her scenes are a bit melodramatic, I thought, but perhaps the screenplay was to blame. She and John Barrymore have great magnetism on the screen.

Lionel Barrymore, minus his usual mannerisms, gave an understated yet effective performance as the timid clerk Kringelein. His scenes with Crawford are especially touching.

[Hedvig]

I think Grand Hotel is a lovely, moving pre-code. I like the way the stories are intigrated together. I like John Barrymore's character, and even though Lionel Barrymore's acting seems a trifle melodramatic today, I like his performance and role in the story as well - I love his line, "What about my life when it was in your hands?" which conveys so much anger against injustice and heartlessness that it gives me a real sense of triumph.

I'll have to agree with Midge, though, that Garbo's performance here isn't her best. I think that maybe the part was written and directed that way, for one thing. This woman is exotic, she's passionate, she's a Russian dancer. She must act this way! However, Garbo was often able to rise above the often absurdly melodramatic material she was given, but this time she doesn't quite.

The leading lady that impresses me here is Joan Crawford. She's a natural in Grand Hotel.

[Larry's 66 Diner]

I'm still in shock that it took this long for me to actually see this movie!

I think all the acting was great. However, I don't believe this was one of Lionel Barrymore's best films; honestly, I liked him better even in Key Largo! But, in true Barrymore form, he still pulled it off! :thumbsup:

And I agree with the comments on Garbo — her role in this film was quite ... er ... what's the word? ... over-exaggerated? ;D

[diane]

I agree with everyone here. Crawford was the standout for me. The scenes involving Lionel
Barrymore made me cry when I saw it.

[rmichaelpyle]

Although the film, and, therefore, the characters are based on a book, Garbo's character is based on a known diva of the time who evidently acted much as you witnessed Garbo in the film. Even Garbo admitted the character was over the top. That's the way it was supposed to be. And who besides Garbo could have delivered the line: "I vant to be alone!"?

[Midge]

R. Michael, that's very interesting. Do you know who this diva was? I'd love to know.

[Hedvig]

Yes. I also wonder how many times Garbo played a Russian. In Grand Hotel and in Ninotchka she plays two pretty stereotypical characters, but they're rather different.

[Midge]

Garbo also played Russians in Love and Anna Karenina.

[Hedvig]

Oh yes, the Karenina films. I knew there was a reason why I always thought that was some sort of niche she had.