This is one of the greatest classics of Great Garbo which was recently aired on TCM much to pleasure of her fans. It is great privilege to watch this 1930 version of Love Story splendidly directed by one of the MGM's best directors, Clarence Brown. His success as a director is illustrated by his repeated performances in such successful movies as; Flesh and the Devil" (1926), "Anna Christie" (1930, same year as Romance), Anna Karenina" (1935) and "Conquest" (1937), "A Free Soul" (1931); "The Idiot's Delight" (1939) "Possessed" (1931) "The Gorgeous Hussy" (1936), and "Come Live with me" (1941). Director Brown managed a unique vision of passion, love and romance in his movies with some emphasis on traditional values. His style appealed not only to the studio bosses but also to an average moviegoer. The story is based on the life of the opera singer Lina Cavalieri (1874-1944).
Opera singer Madame Rita Cavallini (Great Garbo) leaves her wealthy and much older boyfriend Cornelius 'Corny' Van Tuyl (Lewis Stone) for a young priest named Tom Armstrong (Gavin Gordon). It is a love at first sight as Tom cannot keep his mind away despite the fact that she has a wealthy man in her life. The relationship has lot of affection, deep love but lacks passion and intimacy. Her boyfriend reluctantly tolerates this romance and does his best to act in a dignified manner. Rita expresses her love for Tom, but she is interested in herself and ultimately turns down the proposal of Tom.
Greta Garbo was nominated for her work in this movie, in the best actress category in 1930, along with her role of Anna Christie; surprisingly she lost to Norma Shearer, for "The Divorcée," a much controversial movie of that time. Hollywood has carried this tradition of using controversial social materials in its film and still continues to win the mind of many moviegoers and film critics. Romance is a splendid movie and Greta Garbo looks stunningly gorgeous.
Reference: Romance (DVD), starring Greta Garbo
Opera singer Madame Rita Cavallini (Great Garbo) leaves her wealthy and much older boyfriend Cornelius 'Corny' Van Tuyl (Lewis Stone) for a young priest named Tom Armstrong (Gavin Gordon). It is a love at first sight as Tom cannot keep his mind away despite the fact that she has a wealthy man in her life. The relationship has lot of affection, deep love but lacks passion and intimacy. Her boyfriend reluctantly tolerates this romance and does his best to act in a dignified manner. Rita expresses her love for Tom, but she is interested in herself and ultimately turns down the proposal of Tom.
Greta Garbo was nominated for her work in this movie, in the best actress category in 1930, along with her role of Anna Christie; surprisingly she lost to Norma Shearer, for "The Divorcée," a much controversial movie of that time. Hollywood has carried this tradition of using controversial social materials in its film and still continues to win the mind of many moviegoers and film critics. Romance is a splendid movie and Greta Garbo looks stunningly gorgeous.
Reference: Romance (DVD), starring Greta Garbo
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