Greta Garbo: Signature Collection

Rouben Mamoulian, George Cukor, Clarence Brown, Ernst Lubitsch, 1930-39

Film Description

Collection of films starring one of the greats of early cinema, Greta Garbo. Features Anna Christie, Mati Hari, Queen Christina, Anna Karenina, Camille and Ninotchka.

In 'Anna Christie' (1930), the eponymous former prostitute (Garbo) lives with her father (George F. Marion Sr) on a broken-down barge. When they rescue Irish sailor Matt Burke (Charles Bickford) from drowning, he falls in love with Anna. She is, however, reluctant to reveal details of her past.

In 'Mata Hari' (1931), Garbo stars in the title role as a German spy working in Paris. She has already seduced the Russian general Shubin (Lionel Barrymore), and has now set her eyes on Lieutenant Rosanov (Ramon Novarro), a young up-and-coming officer. In order to get her hands on secret documents in his possession, she spends the night with him. But the secret police are on to her, only waiting to get enough evidence to arrest her.

In 'Queen Christina' (1933) Garbo plays the 17th Century Swedish Queen who escapes an undesirable political marriage by running away and disguising herself as a man. When she falls in love with a Spanish ambassador, they have to liaise secretly, realising their destiny is doomed.

'Anna Karenina' (1935) is the Hollywood film version of Tolstoy's classic novel and stars Garbo as the wife of a villainous Russian aristocrat (Basil Rathbone) who falls for a cavalry officer (Fredric March).

In 'Camille' (1936) Marguerite (Greta Garbo) is an ailing prostitute who finds love with younger man Armand (Robert Taylor). At first he is unaware of the nature of her profession, but it soon proves to be a barrier to their happiness.

Finally, in 'Ninotchka' (1939), Garbo plays a Russian emissary who is sent to Paris on a special mission. Once there, she falls in love with the acceptable face of Capitalism, attached to the body of Melvyn Douglas.