Greta Garbo: A Lone Star (2001) (TV)

Director:

Steve Cole

Release Date:

4 September 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Biography

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Narration | Actress | Character Name In Title

Cast

Lauren Bacall

...

Herself / Narrator (voice)

Runtime:

45 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

Iambic Productions

Movie Connections:

Features The Temptress (1926)

Fantastic, haunting documentary

For those of us who are helplessly enthralled by the Garbo mystique, this fascinating documentary is one that you'll find yourself watching over and over again and never tiring of. Much of the source material was supplied by the memoirs of those close to the legendary actress--Mercedes de Acosta and Cecil Beaton to name just two. The best, most eloquent interviewee is John Gilbert's daughter, who gives fascinating stories of her father's affair with Garbo, one of which (the cliff story) will break your heart. Garbo's biographer is equally memorable, as she provides intelligent insight as to the whys and hows of Garbo's inexplicable idiosyncrasies. A handful of co-stars and acquaintances also speak, but perhaps the most memorable highlight is the mournful, haunting music that plays intermittently and at commercial breaks as breathtaking pictures of the great Garbo are shown. This sets the tone for a sad afterthought--after watching this you will indeed feel empty inside, as you inevitably come to the conclusion that perhaps no one, like the legend suggests, could solve the Garbo riddle. Yet you understand that this is what keeps our fascination going to this day. A must-see for all Garbo fans.