Romance (1930)

Romance Poster

A beautiful opera star kept by a rich older man falls in love with a young clergyman.

Film Introduction
"Romance" is a 1930 American film adjusted from a play by Edward Sheldon. This pre-Code film, directed by Clarence Brown and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), is a charming romance fixated a romantic relationship that crosses the boundaries of social class. Popular actress Greta Garbo stars in the role of an innocent opera vocalist at first known as Rita Cavallini, opposite her co-star Lewis Stone who portrays an upper-class gentleman called Tom Armstrong.

Plot Synopsis
The story of "Romance" unfolds seventy years in the past when Tom Armstrong, a young clergyman, starts remembering his life's romance to his young grandson after his grandson announces he remains in love. The movie proceeds through a flashback, revealing the story of a tender and gorgeous romance that progressed in between Tom and Italian opera singer, Rita Cavallini, during his youth.

Tom fulfills Rita at a celebration and despite the societal norms that separated their worlds, they fall in love. The stunning opera vocalist, Rita, is understood to be the girlfriend of Tom's godfather, Cornelius Van Tuyl, which includes a layer of scandal and intrigue to their relationship.

Tom, taken in by love for Rita, wishes to marry her, unconcerned about the social ramifications or her relationship with his godfather. His intents create a series of dramatic circumstances that evaluate their love and commitment to each other.

Main Storyline
The main conflict of "Romance" focuses on the ethical predicament dealt with by Tom and Rita as they have a hard time between their indisputable love for each other and the social norms that appear to thwart their relationship at every turn. The film showcases an effective screen of emotions as both Rita and Tom fight their inner demons and complex situations for the sake of their love.

Rita, represented by Garbo with soulful depth and captivating charm, becomes a tragic figure. Despite her strong love for Tom, she is constantly haunted by her past and the preconception that comes with being Van Tuyl's girlfriend. She eventually selects to sacrifice her love for Tom to prevent him from facing societal backlash.

Conclusion and Final Themes
The end of "Romance" is a rich mixture of sacrifice, sorrow, and acceptance. After Rita's heartbreaking sacrifice, Tom rejoins his world without her. They meet once again years later, their lives having actually taken them on very different courses, yet their love for each other as immortal as ever.

The movie "Romance" acutely explores the styles of love, social roles and expectations, morality, and sacrifice. It provides audiences with an intricate examination of how personal decisions can be sometimes navigated or moulded by societal norms.

The movie's compelling narrative, coupled with robust performances from Garbo and Stone, help produce a captivating cinematic experience. Garbo, in specific, brings the character of Rita to life with a sad efficiency, showing the trials and tribulations of the everlasting, yet eventually tragic love in between her and Tom.

In general, "Romance" provides a poignant expedition of love and sacrifice, class and social norms - leaving its viewers with a long lasting impression of the olden truth that real love often includes tough choices and, in some cases, enormous sacrifice.

Top Cast

  • Greta Garbo (small)
    Greta Garbo
    Rita Cavallini
  • Lewis Stone (small)
    Lewis Stone
    Cornelius 'Conny' Van Tuyl
  • Gavin Gordon (small)
    Gavin Gordon
    Tom Armstrong
  • Elliott Nugent (small)
    Elliott Nugent
    Harry
  • Florence Lake (small)
    Florence Lake
    Susan Van Tuyl
  • Clara Blandick (small)
    Clara Blandick
    Abigail Armstrong
  • Henry Armetta (small)
    Henry Armetta
    Theater Manager Beppo
  • Mathilde Comont (small)
    Mathilde Comont
    Rita's Maid Vannucci
  • Rina De Liguoro (small)
    Rina De Liguoro
    Nina (as Countess De Rina)
  • Agostino Borgato (small)
    Agostino Borgato
    Organ Grinder (uncredited)
  • Roy D'Arcy (small)
    Roy D'Arcy
    Minor Role (uncredited)