Mata Hari (1931)

Writers:

Benjamin Glazer (written by) and
Leo Birinsky (written by) ...

Release Date:

26 diciembre 1931 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Frase comercial:

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)

Plot:

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...

Plot Keywords:

Eiffel Tower Paris | General | Paris France | Secret Document | Secret Police

Comentarios de los usuarios:

This is about love, not history.

US TV Schedule:

Thur. Aug. 7

1:30 PM

TCM

Cast

Greta Garbo	...	Mata Hari
Ramon Novarro	...	Lt. Alexis Rosanoff
Lionel Barrymore	...	Gen. Serge Shubin
Lewis Stone	...	Andriani (pavilion owner)
C. Henry Gordon	...	Dubois (French Secret Service chief)
Karen Morley	...	Carlotta (German agent)
Alec B. Francis	...	Maj. Caron (Mata'a lawyer)
Blanche Friderici	...	Sister Angelica (as Blanche Frederici)
Edmund Breese	...	Warden
Helen Jerome Eddy	...	Sister Genevieve
Frank Reicher	...	The cook / spy (German captain)

Duración:

USA:89 min

País:

USA

Idioma:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sonido:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Clasificación:

UK:PG (re-rating) (2006) | UK:A (original rating) | Norway:16 (1932) | USA:Approved (PCA #5419-R, July 1939 for re-release)

Filming Locations:

Agoura Ranch, Agoura, California, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivialidades:

While this film was in production, rumors began circulating that co-stars Greta Garbo and Ramon Novarro were having an affair. This was untrue, but they did develop a strong friendly rapport.

Quotes:

Andriani: The only way to resign from our profession is to die.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Garbo Talks (1984)

Soundtrack:

Ave Maria, Op.52 No.6

This is about love, not history.

Garbo in love. There is nothing to compare with it. And MGM knew it. Again and again they fashioned vehicles for her to be in love, and "Mata Hari" is one of the best. Who cares that it has nothing to do with the real Mata Hari? This is a beautiful film - it looks gorgeous and is brilliantly acted. It was always difficult for male actors to hold their own with Garbo - Robert Taylor failed, Olivier by his own confession couldn't "hold a candle to her" - but there are three who certainly could John Gilbert (of course!), Melvyn Douglas (in comedy) and here the sublime Ramon Novarro. He was perhaps the only one of Garbo's leading men who could compare with her in beauty (though Lew Ayres is pretty cute in "The Kiss")and William Daniels films him nearly as lovingly as he does Garbo. The shot of his face where he blows out the candle (at Garbo's insistence), that his mother made him swear to always burn, is most beguiling. The two display a rare chemistry, and the final scene in the prison cell is very moving. Novarro in love is as enchanting as Garbo in love.

And the film is about the experience of love, and how it over-rides all else in life. Very romantic and very touching. Unrequited love sends Lionel Barrymore mad - this is a great performance too - and Lewis Stone's incomprehension of love makes him a cold, heartless monster (another expert performance from him). The sad thing here is that Novarro and Garbo were never again paired. A great and powerful film.