Saturday, July 29, 2017

Flesh and the Devil (1926): Greta Garbo and John Gilbert


     Based on Hermann Sudermann's play "The Undying Past", Flesh and the Devil (1926) was one of Greta Garbo's most successful Silent Films, and it served to position her as one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood at the time. Director Clarence Brown's job was made easier during the filming of Flesh and the Devil, because Garbo and her co-star John Gilbert did not have to fake their romantic chemistry on screen. The two stars had already begun a real-life whirlwind relationship, that briefly became an engagement, before Garbo broke it off. Garbo and Gilbert's rapport was so good, however, that the pair continued acting in films together into the Sound Era. 
     Leo (John Gilbert) and Ulrich (Lars Hanson) are the best of friends... 

Flesh and the Devil. 1926

     While home on leave, Leo meets the beautifully enchanting Felicitas (Greta Garbo)... 

Greta Garbo: Flesh and the Devil. 1926

     and he is infatuated, seduced by her sexuality... 

Greta Garbo: Flesh and the Devil. 1926

     and head over heels in love with her... 

Greta Garbo: Flesh and the Devil. 1926

      Everything is fine until Felicitas' husband catches them together and challenges Leo to a duel. Leo wins the duel, killing the husband. As punishment, he is sent to be stationed in Africa... 

Greta Garbo: Flesh and the Devil. 1926

      When Leo returns, he is dismayed to find that Felicitas has married Ulrich, his best friend... 

Greta Garbo: Flesh and the Devil. 1926

     Can Leo and Ulrich's friendship survive... or is the sexual draw of Felicitas so strong that it will tear them apart...

Greta Garbo: Flesh and the Devil. 1926


a scene from "Flesh and the Devil"