Camille (1936)

A Parisian courtesan must choose between the young man who loves her and the callous baron who wants her, even as her own health begins to fail.

Director:

George Cukor

Writers:

Zoe Akins (screen play), Frances Marion (screen play),

Stars:

Greta Garbo, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Greta Garbo	...	Marguerite
Robert Taylor	...	Armand
Lionel Barrymore	...	Monsieur Duval
Elizabeth Allan	...	Nichette
Jessie Ralph	...	Nanine
Henry Daniell	...	Baron de Varville
Lenore Ulric	...	Olympe
Laura Hope Crews	...	Prudence
Rex O'Malley	...	Gaston

Storyline

Marguerite is a courtesan in Paris. She falls deeply in love with a young man of promise, Armand Duval. When Armand's father begs her not to ruin his hope of a career and position by marrying Armand, she acquiesces and leaves her lover. However, when poverty and terminal illness overwhelm her, Marguerite discovers that Armand has not lost his love for her.

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Plot Keywords:

love | courtesan | terminal illness | theatre | jealousy | 

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Taglines:

You who are so young--where can you have learned all you know about women like me?

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 January 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

Kameliadamen

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,486,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The only memento of Hollywood kept by Greta Garbo was a pair of Adrian-designed kid gloves from this film. White leather, they were beaded with an ivy leaf pattern than spelled out her initials "G.G." over and over.

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Goofs

In the final scene, in closeup, as Armand helps the dying Marguerite from her bed, she has a woolen bed jacket around her shoulders. When the scene cuts to the long shot as she stands up, it has vanished and she is just wearing her nightgown.

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Quotes

Marguerite: Now what shall I give you to remember me by?
Baron de Varville: You can't give me anything I'd like.
Marguerite: What's that?
Baron de Varville: A tear. You're not sorry enough I'm going.
Marguerite: Oh, but I *am* sorry.

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Connections

Referenced in It's My Party (1996)

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Soundtracks

"I'll Love Like Robert Taylor, Be My Greta Garbo"
(1936) (uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Milton Benjamin

User Reviews

Garbo's finest performance in a classic film romance

This is arguably the finest romantic film ever made and it contains Garbo's finest performance (resulting in her third Oscar nom - she should have won - and a NY Film Critics Best Actress Award). She is luminous, able to suggest great inner strength while projecting a fragility that is touching. Her death scene alone is the finest in the history of the cinema - one can feel the weakness, the tentative holding on to life only to see her beloved once again. The film is full of small moments of flawless acting, in her glances, in the tone and inflection of her voice, and in her delicate movements. Great Greta!!!

MGM has lavishly produced the film. The cinematography, art direction and costume design are lavish and exceptionally beautiful. The supporting performances from Lionel Barrymore (touchingly noble) and Laura Hope Crewes (lewd and coarse - a revelation to those who only know her Aunt Pittypat in GWTW) to Maureen O'Sullivan (sweet and virginal) are exemplary. Only Robert Taylor is not up to the job - he is a poor actor here - but he IS gorgeous and we can forgive Garbo her mad infatuation with his Armand.

A classic film if there ever was one. Don't miss it.