100: Camille

US  109m  Dir: George Cukor  Key Cast: Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo plays the main character in this film adapted from a novel by Alexander Dumas. As I understand it this is something of a modernisation of the story, though still set in the mid 19th century, with the lead character no longer being a prostitute and coming across as generally more sympathetic. 

Marguerite (Greta Garbo) is a well-known courtesan in Paris and is set up with a wealthy baron at the opera. She mistakes handsome Armand (Robert Taylor) for the baron and though she begins a relationship with her expected suitor the baron, she falls for Armand. This causes a problem as she requires a wealthy husband and society can't allow the two to be together. 

The plot isn't really that exciting- the majority of historical romances see the central woman have to decide between the wealthy man society expects her to marry and the handsome man with no money she is in love with. It is admittedly done pretty well here as Marguerite really agonises with her options, choosing Armand but then forced to end the relationship to protect him. 

Really, this film is all about Greta Garbo's performance. She is superb as a female character who feels more like a 21st century character, forthright and capable whilst still held back by societal constraints. For the most part she is bubble and witty but when called upon to show the emotion she does it really effectively. Without Garbo this would be a pretty dull picture but she sells the storyline and the emotion of it brilliantly. 

The plot comes to a head for a tragic ending which is by far the most memorable part of the film. Up until this point there's endless to-ing and fro-ing about whether the pair will stay together or not but fate makes the final decision for them and it's heart-breaking and really well executed. Director George Cukor filmed three versions of the scene until he found one which worked and I'm pleased he did because I found myself sat there in stunned silence as the end card is displayed.

A fairly standard story is elevated to a high standard by the cast, especially Greta Garbo to make a memorable and tragic romance.