Greta Garbo Signature Collection: Anna Christie / Mata Hari / Queen Christina / Anna Karenina / Camille / Ninotchka [DVD]

All Greta Garbo's key films from the talking era in one box set - only notable exception being Grand Hotel. But this is a minor complaint: it is an ensemble piece (it is included in the Joan Crawford Signature Collection where it clearly shows that young Crawford can more than hold her own in any company) and is, on balance, minor film in Garbo's career.

The films included here - just pay attention to the titles: each is named after her character. Signature collection indeed! I can't think of another star ever to have pulled off such a career proving trick, showing clearly what a huge, huge box office draw she was, and what power "The Swedish Sphinx " held over the studios as well as the public. Not bad for a shy, lanky girl who's single mother was a cleaner in Stockholm...

If you are a newcomer interested in what Garbo was all about, this is the definitive collection - it spans nearly a decade from Anna Christie, Garbo's first talkie ("Give me a Whisky, ginger ale on the side, and don' be stingy, baby"), based on Eugene O'Neil play about a daughter who seeks refuge from her life as a prostitute at her father's on the waterfront, to her penultimate film Ninotchka, a fantastic comedy with young Billy Wilder contributing to the script that has not dated one bit and leaves you craving for more out-right Garbo comedies. But I suppose that was the key to the Garbo magic on many levels - this woman knew how to leave people wanting for more.

While Mata Hari is not quite as interesting as the other films and Ninotchka gets onto most people's list of Garbo favorites, it says something of the quality on offer here that when asked to pick between Christina, Karenina and Camille, everyone seems to prefer a different film. Her performances differ too in a way that I did not expect: three films - three different women, all the harder to pull off as the films all are designed to give the world the famous Garbo,"The Face". But despite this - and her distinct accent that spells out that this is not character acting as we know it - it does not mean that Garbo would simply ride on the coattails of her star persona. Compared to someone like Crawford - who's performances only change as she herself changes over the years - Garbo gave nuanced performances with ease. Cynical Anna Christie struggles with betrayal, bitterness and shame, brisk Queen Christina refuses to bow down to fate and holds on to her independence in love and abdication, serious Anna Karenina punishes herself by allowing her life to become self-fulfilling prophesy, tolerant Camille laughs and floats over the abyss, throwing away money, health and love at slightest provocation, and judgemental Ninotchka, the incomparable realist, melts when faced with her own femininity.

If you are buying this because you already know Garbo, all you probably want to know that the transfer quality is good (although I think I have seen a better print of Ninotchka on TV years ago) and extras - although VERY few - are interesting (Anna Christie's both versions with Garbo are included, as is a silent pre-Garbo Camille with pre-Sheik Rudolph Valentino). All in all, the most satisfying classics collection that I have happened across.

Having recently retired I am catching up on my favourites. Greta Garbo is one. This boxed set of 6 DVDs includes her most famous films (Grand Hotel is not here but available). Detailed and technical aspects of this collection have been extensively provided by other reviewers and I therefore will write as a fan of this screen goddess who perplexed her audiences and co stars,directors etc, but was adoringly loved by her public. Beautiful, beguiling, in command, a powerful personality, difficult I would imagine. I could go on.

After her silent era films, her first 'talkie' was ANNA CHRISTIE received as magical after her mute past. A waterfront drama playing an ex-prostitute the film continues to captivate.
MATA HARI sees Greta as a first world war spy with romantic undertones. She looks glamourous and sensual. Great alluring atmosphere. An interview subsequently quotes Greta as saying "Screen vamps make me laugh tremendously.The fact that I am considered one makes me laugh even more". Thoroughly entertaining.
QUEEN CHRISTINA brought Greta rave reviews. She stars as a Queen Christina of Sweden who falls in love with a Spanish ambassador (John Gilbert, after apparent problems accomodating Laurence Olivier). Much to be admired. Great action and very popular in Britain. Remains in command throughout. Marvellous.
ANNA KARENINA had been filmed in a silent version in 1927. This version obviously had to be a review-type precis of the Tolstoy novel and lasts 89 minutes. The cast is diverse but splendid. I have read the book (but only once as it took weeks) and I now have the film. Readily watchable repeatedly. It won the New York Critics Best Actress award.
CAMILLE was directed by George Cukor and again won the N.Y Best Actress Award and provided Greta with her first Oscar nomination. I think this is her best film and performance. Again she is in masterful charge of all her scenes, many dramatic, showing her flair and beauty with utter consistency. Watchable and unmissable.
Finally ,NINOTCHKA ,directed by Ernst Lubitsch. "Garbo laughs" was the message. A Russian communist sent to Paris who converts to Western lifestyle and falls in love with count Leon d'Algout (Melvyn Douglas). Kenneth Tynan pointed out that she pleaded the world's cause "Bomps will fall, civilizations will crumble-but not yet - give us our moment". Witty, funny, gay with a superb cast. A great film with a change of emphasis from Greta's previous performances (Oscar nominated).

I have seen these films sporadically on television mainly in the fifties and sixties. They do not appear to appeal to the computer-generated era and hence no exposure. This boxed set is affordable, available and a wonderful representation of a remarkable actress and woman. I am still foxed as to whether anyone truly understood her. A legend. Highly recommended. Even my children are fascinated. I hope their offspring will follow suit. Quality of the DVDs is very good.

She iwas the classic actress. I have seen new versions of Anna Karenina but this film is my favourite. Lovely classic films.