I think Crawford was indeed very good in "Grand Hotel" but the film was an ensemble, all the actors contributed to its success. People who attack Garbo for her performance neglect the fact that her love scenes with John Barrymore are probably one of the reasons why the film is still a classic. No other actress could have done that and as I have mentioned on another thread to Vicky Baum who wrote the book Garbo was by far the most inspired performer in the film. I guess since she wrote the book she knew what she was talking about so I take her word, plus I read the book and I agree. To go back to Crawford. In this film I think she gave one of her most effective performances, although there are some minor flaws. When she gets emotional on the phone with Barrymore when she orders two tickets for Paris is, for me a bit weak, the same when she screams and leaves the room with Presyig after she sees Barrymore's body lying down on the floor. But still she is charming, modern and delightful in the part and I think this is one of her most effective performances of that period of her career. For people who continuously attack Garbo and find everything so modern and wonderful with Crawford I dare to differ. I have seen most of her early talkies and in some she is far from giving a believable performance. In films like "The montana moon" or"Untamed" I thought she was exagerated and almost laughable.
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