A memorable tale of romance, espionage, and suspense with a luminous Greta Garbo as Tania, a Russian Mata Hari, and Conrad Nagel as Karl, the Austrian officer who falls under her spell. The film is flawlessly directed by the under-rated Fred Niblo (Blood and Sand, The Temptress), who adds sparkling effects that had me tracking back to watch them again.
If you believe that sensuality in silent films was implied or off-screen, watch the scene on the TCM Archives DVD in chapter 4, 18:20-19:40. In Tania's home, Karl grabs her and begins to kiss her, but she pushes him away. He bows his head in shame and prepares to leave. Standing in the doorway, he apologizes to her. She motions to him to come to her and an expression of joy and excitement lights up his face. He walks to her as she stands with her left hand cupping her left breast. He kisses her extended right hand, places his right hand on the hand she holds over her breast, and they dive into a passionate kiss. Steamy stuff indeed for 1928! The surprising plot twists in the final 10 minutes had me laughing in amazement right up to the end. An excellent score by Vivek Maddala adds to the enjoyment of this cinematic gem.
If you believe that sensuality in silent films was implied or off-screen, watch the scene on the TCM Archives DVD in chapter 4, 18:20-19:40. In Tania's home, Karl grabs her and begins to kiss her, but she pushes him away. He bows his head in shame and prepares to leave. Standing in the doorway, he apologizes to her. She motions to him to come to her and an expression of joy and excitement lights up his face. He walks to her as she stands with her left hand cupping her left breast. He kisses her extended right hand, places his right hand on the hand she holds over her breast, and they dive into a passionate kiss. Steamy stuff indeed for 1928! The surprising plot twists in the final 10 minutes had me laughing in amazement right up to the end. An excellent score by Vivek Maddala adds to the enjoyment of this cinematic gem.