Book Reviewed - Garbo: A Portrait, by Alexander Walker

Graphic Biography: Images of a Hollywood Legend

The images of a Hollywood icon tell a lot of stories. The author has used his perception and skills in his study of Greta Garbo from the archives of MGM Studios. These illustrations are a powerful tool to document her life. She spoke no English when she arrived in Hollywood from her native Sweden, and notoriously shy. Yet she was one of the highly paid actresses of her times and starred in some of the best MGM movies. She was a sensation during silent era and early talkie movies when Hollywood was trying to establish itself as the major entertainment industry in the world.

The best moments of her illustrious career were when she was nominated three times for the Academy Award in the “Best Actress” category. In 1930, for both “Anna Christie” and “Romance,” but lost to Norma Shearer for “The Divorcee;” in 1937 for “Camille,” and lost to Luise Rainer for “Good Earth;” and finally, in 1939 for “Ninotchka,” and lost to the immortal Bette Davis for “Jezebel.”

Some of the best illustrations included in this book are; lavish costumes she wore in the movie “Temptress;” images of the man of her dreams, John Gilbert, on the set of “Flesh and the Devil;” personal moments in the woods on the set of “Lover” with John Gilbert; romantic encounters with Lars Hanson on the set of “The Divine Woman.” Greta Garbo received rave reviews for her performances in several films and she was known to express vivid emotions. She delivered expressions with grace and eloquence. She could turn loneliness into a form of tragic depression as seen in the illustrations of “The Mysterious Lady.” Images of a liberated woman in the 1928 movie “A Woman of Affairs,” where she expresses her undying love for her lover played by John Gilbert despite the fact she is married to another man. Greta Garbo made four movies with John Gilbert and all the illustrations I have seen in this book are superb; her emotions and feelings are beautifully captured.

I am fascinated with the lives of Greta Garbo and John Gilbert; they were legends of MGM Studios and both had difficult childhood but overcame tremendous obstacles to become stars in Hollywood. They both fell in love, but Garbo was too independent and afraid to make commitments in life. She got cold feet and never showed up at the wedding altar ending the opportunity to walk the aisle. There are many stories surrounding their romance and break-ups. MGM Studio chief, Louis B Mayer was known to be personally involved in ending the relationship, which lead to a fist fight with Gilbert.

If you are a fan of Greta Garbo, you would love this book. This is an intimate illustration of one of the top stars of Hollywood’s golden age.