Overview"The Divine Woman" is a quiet drama film produced under the banner of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1928. It was directed by Victor Sjöström and boasts renowned stars like Greta Garbo, Lars Hanson, and Lowell Sherman in starring roles. The movie is a romantic melodrama based on the play 'Starlight' by Gladys Unger, and the script was adjusted for the screen by Dorothy Farnum. Unfortunately, the complete film is considered lost except for a single nine-minute reel that was discovered in a Russian archive.
Plot SummaryThe story focuses around the character Marianne, portrayed by Greta Garbo. Marianne is a young woman living in squalor in a French seaside town. She is exploited by the lecherous Mademoiselle Picard (Polly Moran), who requires Marianne to captivate and flirt with clients at her bar in return for a roofing system over her head. The good-looking, yet bad, sailor Lucien (Lars Hanson) becomes fixated with Marianne, and the two develop a tender romance despite their extreme conditions.
One night, a well-known Parisian actor named Legrande (Lowell Sherman) discovers the bar while attempting to escape his crazy fans. He is right away smitten with Marianne's beauty and beauty and provides her the opportunity to leave her miserable life. Torn between love for Lucien and the potential for a thriving life in Paris, Marianne eventually chooses to follow Legrande's invite.
In Paris-- A Star Is BornIn Paris, Marianne's innocence and charm win over the elite audience, transforming her into a successful theater actress. She acquires popularity and wealth however does not have personal joy regardless of her expert success. Her heart still resides with her passionate sailor, Lucien. Marianne even declines a marital relationship proposition from Legrande, who realizes that Marianne's heart belongs to somebody else.
Reunion and ConclusionEventually, Marianne is reunited with Lucien, who has actually become successful in his own right and is now a ship captain. Though both more than happy to see each other, Lucien feels eclipsed by Marianne's fame and success, feeling he can not match up to her new life. His insecurities drive a wedge between them.
In the end, a desolate Marianne leaves all her wealth and popularity behind to go back to her coastal town and find true joy. The film concludes with the recommendation of reconciliation between Marianne and Lucien, implying she has actually finally attained real joy and peace.
Impact and Significance"The Divine Woman" is considered among Greta Garbo's most substantial works and a turning point in her romantic melodrama career, highlighting her enormous capacity as a starlet. Regardless of the regrettable loss of the full-length movie, the making it through footage provides observers a peek into Garbo's compelling efficiency, as well as the nuanced understanding of relationships and societal pressures dealt with by females represented by Sjöström.-The film's property continues to matter, proving "The Divine Woman" was ahead of its time. It uses important commentary on the female experience, success, and the trade-offs in pursuit of joy.
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