The Kiss (1929)

Introduction
"The Kiss" is a 1929 black and white silent drama film produced by MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer). The movie is notable for being the last quiet film launched by MGM and the last quiet efficiency of legendary starlets Greta Garbo and Conrad Nagel. The motion picture was directed by Jacques Feyder and composed by Hanns Kräly and based on a narrative by George M. Saville.

Plot Summary
Set in upper-class Paris, both Irene (played by Garbo) and her giddy pal Lery (played by Lew Ayres) are content in love, although have yet to marry. Irene is engaged to Andre (played by Nagel), a sturdy and complaisant character who holds a modest task in the district lawyer's workplace, while Lery has romantic ties with Marthe (Dorothy Sebastian).

The plot deciphers when Andre brings his employer, Monsieur Lassalle (Holmes Herbert) to dinner at Irene's. Lassalle is smitten with the charming Irene however takes care to veil his attraction. However, Andre gets a sudden call to the office, leaving Lassalle alone with Irene. In Andre's absence, Lassalle forcibly kisses Irene, leading to a chain of life-altering circumstances. Lassalle, amazed with himself, makes a fast exit while Irene, albeit stunned, resists informing Andre.

Dramatic Turn
The storyline takes a dogleg when Lassalle continues to constantly pursue Irene. Upon his next go to, Lassalle attempts another required advance through a kiss however is captured in a fatal wrangle with Irene. In her efforts to resist Lassalle, she shoots him dead. Cecile, Lassalle's house maid who is covertly in love with him, witnesses the whole scene and continues to act as an antagonistic force throughout the remainder of the film.

Climax and Conclusion
Andre, binding loose ends in the office, comes across a record of the event and understands that Irene is the unknown female associated with the case. Andre immediately confronts Irene, who confesses her innocence in the matter, telling the whole episode that unfolded with Lassalle. Cecil ultimately confesses to her detective partner, who ultimately assists in proving Irene's innocence.

In the end, Andre and Irene fix up, and their engagement holds. Lery and Marthe likewise express relief at the conclusion of the drama. The movie concludes with a passionate kiss in between Irene and Andre, a conventional ending for Garbo's films for this reason the title, "The Kiss".

Reception and Legacy
Although "The Kiss" wasn't among the most amazing films in cinematic history, it is commemorated as a substantial piece of the period due to its representation of a modern Parisian lady who is unafraid to confront her assaulter. It received mixed reviews and had moderate box-office success.

"The Kiss" signified completion of an era - it was the last non-talking movie made in Hollywood. This film is fondly kept in mind for capturing the raw feeling that silent cinema provided, which was slowly overtaken by the wave of talkies. For silent film enthusiasts and fans of Greta Garbo's powerful performances, "The Kiss" is a must-watch.

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