Camille (1936)

Camille Poster

Life in 1847 Paris is as spirited as champagne and as unforgiving as the gray morning after. In gambling dens and lavish soirees, men of means exert their wills and women turned courtesans exult in pleasure. One such woman is Marguerite Gautier, who begins a sumptuous romance with Armand Duval.

Film Overview
"Camille" is a romantic drama movie released in 1936 and directed by George Cukor. This Warren-Doherty production focuses on the well-known story composed by Alexandre Dumas, fils' "La Dame aux Camélias". The film stars Greta Garbo as the terrible courtesan Marguerite Gautier, Robert Taylor as her young enthusiast Armand Duval, and Lionel Barrymore as Armand's daddy. Henriette, Armand's more youthful sister, is represented by Elizabeth Allan.

Plot Synopsis
The plot of the movie is embeded in the mid-19th century Parisian society, focusing on Marguerite Gautier, a stunning and upscale courtesan struggling with tuberculosis, and Armand Duval, a young bourgeois law student. Their romance unfolds at a celebration at the theatre, where Marguerite is taken with the genuineness and innocence of Armand's commitment to her.

Nevertheless, the fans face social displeasure as Marguerite's courtesan way of life is seen as a risk to the decent Duval household. In an emotionally intense minute, Monsieur Duval, Armand's father, pleads with Marguerite to end their relationship for the sake of his child's future marital prospects.

Conflict and Resolution
Marguerite chooses to compromise her love for Armand in order to secure his family's reputation. She deliberately humiliates Armand in public to force him to break up with her. Heartbroken, Armand moves away however returns to Paris years later on to find Marguerite financially ruined and on her deathbed due to tuberculosis. In a whirlwind of feelings, Armand faces Marguerite and while doing so, reveals the truth about why she ended their relationship. The film ends on a heartbreaking note with Marguerite's death and Armand's unabated love for her.

Star Performance and Directorial Brilliance
Greta Garbo's efficiency as Marguerite is extensively applauded as one of her finest. Her representation of a doomed courtesan, balancing between coquettish frivolity and terrible misery, is both engaging and emotionally wrenching. Robert Taylor convincingly plays the role of the naïve and sad Armand. The strong efficiency of Lionel Barrymore as Armand's stern yet sympathetic father likewise is worthy of recognition.

Director George Cukor masterfully manages the romantic narrative, enhancing it with components of sacrifice and disaster. His representation of Parisian society and the intricacies of love and societal heft adds depth to the narrative. The cinematography by Karl Freund further boosts the overall artistic quality of the film.

Legacy of "Camille"
"Camille" is thought about a traditional in the world of romantic movie theater. It has actually frequently been acknowledged for its engaging story, the excellent cast efficiencies, specifically Garbo's, and the proficient instructions. Moreover, it was a Box Office struck and received positive critical recognition. It was nominated for the very best Picture award at the 1937 Academy Awards, with Garbo being chosen for Best Actress. Thus, "Camille" strongly stands as a cornerstone in the history of American cinema, a testimony to the storytelling expertise and psychological depth of traditional love films.

Top Cast

  • Greta Garbo (small)
    Greta Garbo
    Marguerite Gautier
  • Robert Taylor (small)
    Robert Taylor
    Armand Duval
  • Lionel Barrymore (small)
    Lionel Barrymore
    Monsieur Duval
  • Elizabeth Allan (small)
    Elizabeth Allan
    Nichette
  • Jessie Ralph (small)
    Jessie Ralph
    Nanine
  • Henry Daniell (small)
    Henry Daniell
    Baron de Varville
  • Lenore Ulric (small)
    Lenore Ulric
    Olympe
  • Laura Hope Crews (small)
    Laura Hope Crews
    Prudence Duvernoy
  • Rex O'Malley (small)
    Rex O'Malley
    Gaston
  • Lita Chevret (small)
    Lita Chevret
    Woman in Theatre Box (uncredited)
  • E. E. Clive (small)
    E. E. Clive
    Saint Gaudens (uncredited)