This movie is part of my continuing quest to see all the great (and considered great at the time) films of 1939.

This truly was a standout. It is unique in that Garbo actually laughs and smiles through the second half of the movie. She lights up the screen when she does.

It is the story of a dispute between communist Russians and czarist Russians over some family jewels. A Duchess, who has a playboy boyfriend played by Melvyn Douglas, locates her missing jewels in the possession of three Russian men who are visiting Paris. A dispute ensues and the court decides a ruling will be forthcoming on the ownership of the jewels. The Soviets bring in a female comrade to supervise the three others.

The female comrade is played by Garbo. Despite her tendency toward long sour lectures, she and playboy Melvyn Douglas fall in love and all her notions about the Soviet state fall to the wayside.

This movie was made in 1939, the year that Hitler invaded Poland. There is a chilling scene of two Nazis greeting each other at a train station. The Russians wisely try to avoid them and ignore them, but this is Paris and the following year would see its fall to the Nazi horrors.

So, that was shocking to me to have a bit of film fun poked at the Nazis in 1939.

anyone who enjoys a fun romantic comedy with an original story. This is not really a formula picture even though it is MGM.

Melvyn Douglas with Greta Garbo. He brings out her fun side. I had no idea the woman had a "fun side" based on what little I've seen of her.

It is hilarious when she tells him he talks to much.

I have never seen what made Melvyn Douglas such a choice as a leading man. He's in some of my favorite movies (like Theordora Goes Wild, for example) but he never fit my idea of attractive. Well, in this one, his humor and what it does for Garbo made me finally see what gives with casting this guy. Charming!

was very good, all round. Even old Bella Lagosi has a part in it as a Communist boss.

it is creative and original. I thought some of it was funny. When Garbo laughs, I couldn't help but laugh - she's adorable and I never thought I'd write that about Garbo. This gave me a new view on her and I will probably try to see more of her stuff.

In what little I've seen her in before, she is very dour and morose and...well depressing. This was a whole new side and I liked it a lot!

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Created Sep 15, 2015 at 11:03am • Submit your own review...