Mata Hari (1931)

A semi-fictionalized account of the life of Mata Hari, an exotic dancer who was accused of spying for Germany during World War I.

Director:

George Fitzmaurice (uncredited)

Writers:

Benjamin Glazer (by), Leo Birinsky (by) (as Leo Birinski)

Stars:

Greta Garbo, Ramon Novarro, Lionel Barrymore

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Greta Garbo	...	Mata Hari
Ramon Novarro	...	Lt. Alexis Rosanoff
Lionel Barrymore	...	General Serge Shubin
Lewis Stone	...	Andriani
C. Henry Gordon	...	Dubois
Karen Morley	...	Carlotta
Alec B. Francis	...	Caron
Blanche Friderici	...	Sister Angelica (as Blanche Frederici)
Edmund Breese	...	Warden
Helen Jerome Eddy	...	Sister Genevieve
Frank Reicher	...	The Cook-Spy

Storyline

During World War I, Mata Hari is a German spy, working in Paris. She has already seduced the Russian general Shubin, and has now set her eyes on lieutenant Rosanov, a young up-and-coming officer. In order to get her hand on secret documents in his possession, she spends a night with him. But the secret police is on to her, only waiting to get enough evidence to arrest her.

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Plot Keywords:

mata hari | woman spy | female spy | spy | russian | 

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Taglines:

WHWN MATA HARI DANCED! Here is Greta Garbo's greatest picture---a romance based on the true life story of the exotic woman spy, Mata Hari. Truly all-star, this production will leave in mind and heart the memory of an unforgettable thrill! (original herald)

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 December 1931 (USA)

Also Known As:

Мата Хари

Filming Locations:

Agoura Ranch, Agoura, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$558,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$931,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,227,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mata Hari performed in the last show of her career March 13, 1915. The real name of the character played by Ramon Navarro was Vadim Maslov, a Russian pilot. His plane was shot down and lost his eyesight in both eyes. During the trial a deeply embittered Maslov refused the testify for her and told her he couldn't care less if she were convicted or not.

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Goofs

Towards the climax of the film, when Mata Hari confronts General Shubin, she is wearing a ring on her left ring finger. She hurries out of the room, and moments later she encounters Rosanoff. He takes her by the hand and the ring is no longer there.

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Quotes

General Serge Shubin: Gay? With DiSignac? Is that necessary?
Mata Hari: Why not? He's very attractive.

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Connections

Referenced in Black Book (2006)

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Soundtracks

Ave Maria, Op.52 No.6
(1825) (uncredited)
Music by Franz Schubert
Played on violin by a patient in the hospital

User Reviews

Pure Fantasy, Pure Melodrama, Pure Camp

Anyone wishing to know the truth about Mata Hari, the exotic dancer who was executed as a spy during World War I, will soon realize this is not the movie for them. But the real Mata Hari was a pathetic middle-aged woman who got in way over her head when she tried espionage--her legend is much more entertaining. Greta Garbo plays the femme fatale brought down by love to the hilt and the cast ably supports her, although modern audiences may find Ramon Novarro ludicrous as the romantic lead. The best are C. Henry Gordon as the French police chief and Lewis Stone as the leader of Mata Hari's spy ring. Nearly every line is out of melodrama--I just wish I had a better memory to quote some for you. My recommendation: just enjoy it.