Customer Reviews

Flesh & The Devil [VHS]

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Flesh and the Devil is my favorite silent film and one of my favorite movies period. Of course, this film was the one that sparked the real life romance between Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. Motion Picture Magazine, at the time, was right on it. In the December 1926 issue, an article on Garbo and Gilbert sported the following subtitle: "When Clarence Brown Filmed the Love Scenes with Greta Garbo and John Gilbert for 'The Flesh and the Devil,' He Was Working with Raw Material." Yes, especially for its time, the love scenes are red hot (accounts from the cameramen claimed that Garbo and Gilbert kept going even when the cameras stopped). I think this film, however, is often overshadowed by the Gilbert/Garbo romance and the tragedy that would follow. I find this film to be a classic based on the relationship between the two best friends in the film, the incredible acting, and the seductive atmosphere it presents. The interesting backdrops (sometimes of a fantastical nature) lend further charm to the story.

The film seems to take place in 1800s Germany. It certainly takes place before the First World War, as there is a sense of confidence and security among the characters and their families at the beginning of the film. It was a time when the privileged classes lived in a sheltered world of their own and when honor meant everything. The two best friends Leo (Gilbert) and Ulrich (played by Lars Hanson) are from this wealthy "Junker" class. Leo is the free-spirited, spontaneous one, Ulrich the sensible, naive one. Their seemingly unassailable friendship is threatened by the "devil" herself, Felicitas (Garbo). Unaware, at the time, of the seductress' marriage, Leo soon finds himself in a duel with her husband. Leo's victory results in his 3-year military assignment in Africa, where he waits anxiously to be with Felicitas again. Only the two of them know of the passion they shared as a dispute at cards was the public reason for the duel. When Leo returns, he finds that his Felicitas is now married to his best friend. The evil enticement of Felicitas soon seizes Leo by the flesh, and he cannot resist her passion, even at the sake of his friendship with Ulrich. Will the devil cause the two best friends to meet their end in their own duel, or will the naive Ulrich prove the stronger of the characters? Suspenseful to the end, you will definitely watch this film more than once. Worth the price, especially for any Garbo, Gilbert, or silent film fan.

It took me about 30 minutes to realize that the movie was silent; I was captivated. Garbo was at her most beguiling. The film surpasses the name "movie" and zooms to "cinema" at its most eloquent.

There once was a time,when movies wanted to be more than just entertaining, this film is an artistic triumph,almost like grand opera. Garbo and Gilbert are the tragic protagonists, although the story is far from convincing,it is directed and acted so brilliantly that you will forget everything that is annoying to you

This beautiful story of fallen love from director Clarence Brown is given a romantic glow seldom seen in sound pictures. Garbo's magic, only occasionally seen in her sound films, is gloriously displayed here by photographer William Daniels. John Gilbert's charisma is also shown to great advantage, giving those who never saw him an explanation for his huge popularity during the silent era.

There is more story than usual is this lush and romantically told tale of forbidden love that just won't die and the long friendship it threatens. Based on Hermann Sudermann's novel, "The Undying Past," Benjamin F. Glazer's screenplay doesn't really seem that dated even today. The settings arranged by Cedric Gibbons and Frederic Hope make this fabulous production from MGM one of Garbo's finest films.

Leo von Harden (John Gilbert) and Ulrich (Lars Hanson) are military men whose bond runs deep and far, all the way back to childhood when they became blood-brothers in the presence of Ulrich's little sister Hertha (Barbara Kent) on the "Isle of Friendship." When as young men they return home, Leo sees for the first time the woman who will perhaps destroy not only that friendship, but Leo himself.

Garbo is the image of romance stepping off the train in her first screen moments. It is not long after at a ball that the two meet again, the white rose exchanged at their first meeting in hand. The scenes that follow are some of the most romantic in screen history. William Daniels frames Garbo's Felicitas in matchlight and moonlight beneath an arbor as one of the most romantic build-ups to a screen kiss takes place.

The shots of Garbo and Gilbert that follow are justly legendary. Though fully clothed, there is an oozing afterglow of implied intimacy that can almost be felt by the viewer. The scenes are filled with romance which takes a sudden and dark turn when the husband Felicity did not inform Leo of finds them together. A duel incurs in which Leo prevails, but only the Pastor knows the real reason for the tragedy.

Garbo's scenes picking out the right veil to mourn in shows the viewer all that Leo can not see with his eyes. He will have to spend five lonely years in Africa before he can return to her so they may be together. He implores his friend for life, Ulrich, to watch after her until he returns. He will not realize what a mistake it was until he returns and finds the two married, Ulrich being unaware of their prior love, and unable to resist her charms.

Barbara Kent is terrific as the grown Hertha, whose crush on Leo as a child has turned into an abiding love ignored by a brooding Leo. Felicitas begs him to reconcile with his friend but her motives are not pure like the white rose and soon temptation will overcome them. What follows cannot be revealed to the viewer but you will not see the ending of this romantic drama coming in any way.

Garbo and Gilbert were actually in love here, and it comes across in every scene. It is ironic that the haze of Garbo's spell cast over Gilbert in real life would destroy him nearly to the same degree as Mayer did when sound came along. This is a beautiful and romantic film with a lush and lovely glow you will not find anywhere else. Watch Garbo and Gilbert by firelight some rainy night with someone you love. It is an unforgettable film experience.

This beautiful story of fallen love from director Clarence Brown is given a romantic glow seldom seen in sound pictures. Garbo's magic, only occasionally seen in her sound films, is gloriously displayed here by photographer William Daniels. John Gilbert's charisma is also shown to great advantage, giving those who never saw him an explanation for his huge popularity during the silent era.

There is more story than usual is this lush and romantically told tale of forbidden love that just won't die and the long friendship it threatens. Based on Hermann Sudermann's novel, "The Undying Past," Benjamin F. Glazer's screenplay doesn't really seem that dated even today. The settings arranged by Cedric Gibbons and Frederic Hope make this fabulous production from MGM one of Garbo's finest films.

Leo von Harden (John Gilbert) and Ulrich (Lars Hanson) are military men whose bond runs deep and far, all the way back to childhood when they became blood-brothers in the presence of Ulrich's little sister Hertha (Barbara Kent) on the "Isle of Friendship." When as young men they return home, Leo sees for the first time the woman who will perhaps destroy not only that friendship, but Leo himself.

Garbo is the image of romance stepping off the train in her first screen moments. It is not long after at a ball that the two meet again, the white rose exchanged at their first meeting in hand. The scenes that follow are some of the most romantic in screen history. William Daniels frames Garbo's Felicitas in matchlight and moonlight beneath an arbor as one of the most romantic build-ups to a screen kiss takes place.

The shots of Garbo and Gilbert that follow are justly legendary. Though fully clothed, there is an oozing afterglow of implied intimacy that can almost be felt by the viewer. The scenes are filled with romance which takes a sudden and dark turn when the husband Felicity did not inform Leo of finds them together. A duel incurs in which Leo prevails, but only the Pastor knows the real reason for the tragedy.

Garbo's scenes picking out the right veil to mourn in shows the viewer all that Leo can not see with his eyes. He will have to spend five lonely years in Africa before he can return to her so they may be together. He implores his friend for life, Ulrich, to watch after her until he returns. He will not realize what a mistake it was until he returns and finds the two married, Ulrich being unaware of their prior love, and unable to resist her charms.

Barbara Kent is terrific as the grown Hertha, whose crush on Leo as a child has turned into an abiding love ignored by a brooding Leo. Felicitas begs him to reconcile with his friend but her motives are not pure like the white rose and soon temptation will overcome them. What follows cannot be revealed to the viewer but you will not see the ending of this romantic drama coming in any way.

Garbo and Gilbert were actually in love here, and it comes across in every scene. It is ironic that the haze of Garbo's spell cast over Gilbert in real life would destroy him nearly to the same degree as Mayer did when sound came along. This is a beautiful and romantic film with a lush and lovely glow you will not find anywhere else. Watch Garbo and Gilbert by firelight some rainy night with someone you love. It is an unforgettable film experience.

The first time I saw this film I was completely overwhlemed by its artistry. I believe every would-be actor should see this film to understand the fine art of acting at its best. Of most note is not John Gilbert or Greta Garbo but LARS HANSEN. If you need more proof of this actor's phenomenal talent -- see The Scarlet Letter (1928)!!

This is the first picture starring Garbo and John Gilbert together, and the sparks do fly. The story is already old and hackneyed, though it wouldn't prevent Hollywood from using it, or elements of it, a thousand times again.

Gilbert meets Garbo and they fall instantly in love. One night in her bedroom who should show up but her husband. Surprise! A duel is arranged (pistols) and Gilbert kills him. Since Gilbert is in the army he is sent away to Africa for five years as punishment. He and Garbo swear to wait for each other, and while he's away he tells his best friend (Lars Hanson) to watch out for her.

The five years go by and Gilbert returns only to find out Hanson and Garbo are married. Surprise! Another duel ensues (pistols again). But the friendship between Gilbert and Hanson is so strong that neither can shoot at the other; meanwhile, Garbo is crashing through thin ice while crossing a river trying to prevent the duel. Thus at movie's end Gilbert and Hanson have each other but neither has Garbo - who has gone to her just rewards for being such a wicked temptress. The story is high opera, but Garbo is beautiful and the whole picture is saturated with sex and passion. The print used on the DVD (and VHS) is excellent, and the musical score by Carl Davis is also very effective. Definitely worth a watch.

As Garbo gets into her carriage Gilbert spots her and for a second their eyes cross, he gently approaches her, without saying a word Garbo acknowledges his presence says "hello and I'll see you later" leaving Gilbert with just a rose in hand and a promise for more.
It was the first time he saw Garbo and the first time I did. A moment of love at first sight captured in film. From then on Garbo will become a star and we will follow her every gesture.

"Flesh and the Devil" is a romantic drama about two childhood friends who grow up to be soldiers in Germany. After returning to civilian life, one of the friends, Leo(Gilbert) becomes infatuated with Felicitas (Garbo). A woman who would be the friction in their friendship.

This film is probably one of the most beautifully photograph silent films. There are scenes and shots here that are simply epic. For example as Gilbert and Garbo dance for the first time the camera scrolls up and down with them creating the feeling that we are dancing with them. The scene in the snow is also remarkable with Gilbert standing tall and front but insecure while Garbo is in the background trying to catch up but with a steady step denoting confidence.

There are some cliches here and there also some random turn of events too but for the most part its good storytelling and you can relate to the characters confusion and temptation. At the beginning of the movie we ask who Garbo is and what she wants? and by the end I still can't figure out her persona. The spell was put on and although we don't know what she will do to us we can't look away anymore.

"When the Devil cannot reach us through the spirit, He creates a beautiful woman to reach us through the flesh."

Superficially, this is the so-so love triangle talked about too much. However, taking the sub-texts and the subconscious minds of the story, it perverts the obedient old high society.

If the sliding knife on the hands of two young boys in front of a girl as a ritual to the "brotherhood" signifies the abiding homosexuality doesn't horrify you enough, the unending Greta's rolling love between the two men leading to death of her own sinking self surely would. There are a lot of subtle shots like this gesturing the sub-texts everywhere. This looks like a psychoanalysis paper of the love-oppressed.

Greta Garbo performed Countess Felicitas, good luck in the ancient Roman mythology, criss-crossed among men leading them to gun-duel for her. Leo killed the Count for his indulgence in Felicitas. Ulrich then took care of Felicitas and married her while Leo served his sentence away in South Africa. With Pastor acting the religious sentence, the fate of the love is sealed. The "brotherhood" finally "won" in the end as they stopped the duel back on the island where they gave their oath to each other. While the two "boys" legs are deep in the snow, it seems to suggest their love is pure and blessed.

This is "the" avant garde movie, silent in black and white, that is so farward to its time. Symbolic, liberal, and Europeanized, this is no place like France, but America MGM. I think every moviegoers should see this film and revive the golden years that movies once were. A highly recommended feature film.

Remembrance of things past is an important part of history and surely silent movies are among our glorious past. The famed onstage and offstage romance between two colossal characters - Greta Garbo and John Gilbert - is electrifying, all the moreso because the lack of dialogue illuminates their breathtakingly dramatic body language.

Each artistically framed B&W shot illuminates the unquenchable and deadly passion between the duo, who, in real life, are from Stockholm and Utah. While the viewer may be rooting for Virtue to win - or even make a token appearance - the Devil is firmly in charge, in this always suspenseful, unpredictable flick made in 1927 when Garbo was all of 22 and her co-star 27.

The final scenes of icy grandeur are haunting. No wonder Garbo (1905-90) insisted that this same cinematographer film her during much of her career. She was a woman who, during the studio system, controlled much of her own destiny. You'll see why when you see her, even in silence, a woman described by many, including famed poet Wallace Stevens, as the most striking woman to light up a screen.