6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of Garbo's Best, August 1, 2002
This review is from: Mysterious Lady [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Having seen Greta Garbo's spy movies (Mysterious Lady and Mata Hari) I prefer "The Mysterious Lady." Garbo's seductive performance is far more engaging and believable and the story has more intrigue in the silent version. Conrad Nagel gives a good performance but it is easy to see (and prefer) John Gilbert in this part. Garbo was on bad terms with Gilbert at the time and refused to do the picture if he was cast. The movie turns around Garbo, as a Russian spy, who falls in love with an Austrian officer (Conrad Nagel). Their paths unexpectedly cross when she steals military secrets from him aboard a train. Nagel is disgraced but can redeem himself if he can put an end to Garbo's spying career. But is he still in love with her, and she with him? As is the case with many silent prints, this one has some rough places but it should not stop anyone from enjoying the film. The music nicely sets the tone of the movie.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stylized Perfection, March 28, 2005
This review is from: Mysterious Lady [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The storyline of this film is simply mediocre. All other components are fabulous.
I have never been a big fan of Garbo; she always looks so manly, especially in sound films. This movie is definitely an exception. She is delicate and lovely wearing a bevy of spectacular toga-like costumes. Her acting is marvelous although one scene is debatable. Her character Tania tries to convince the man that she loves of her feelings for him. In it, it is questionable if Tania feels for him at all. This was probably used for effect to confuse the viewer and to move the story along.
One of the merits of the beauty of the images is the lighting. The use of shadows and reflections illustrate the story well and create a divine environment. The tinting is somewhat awkward in one scene where a storm turns the lights on an off again, but overall it is effectively utilized.
As a film made after the first talkie swept America, this film is highly sophisticated and stylized. It makes use of over-cranking for slow motion, sound effects like rain and applause, and music that shifts from room to room.
The most breathtaking thing about this film is the excellent film score. The melody used for the main couple's song is hauntingly beautiful and the way it is used throughout the movie to illustrate moods or thoughts is enormously potent.
The major problem with this film is the marred print used. It is covered in artifacts which sometimes distracts from the story. The film jumps from time to time as well.
Overall, though, this film is one of Garbo's best and can be enjoyed easily by ignoring the imperfections. At least the film is available for viewing at all.
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10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Garbo - 5, Print Quality - Zip, March 13, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Mysterious Lady [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The box is labeled "In Glorious Black & White," but the b/w print available on video is horrendous. It's not only in black and and white, but due to the ancient quality of the film transfer, it also changes to blue, amber and red. And their are spots, blips and scratches all over the film. This video can't compare to the b/w quality of 'The Kiss.'
The picture is clear. The music is wonderful. And in silence, you can see why Garbo was considered such a phenomenal sex symbol, before trite dialogue rendered her a stately object of dated romance. But she looks phenomenal, and gives more intelligence to the material than it probably deserves. If only the print quality were better.
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