Runtime: 112 minutes
Directed by: Edmund Golding
Starring: Greta Garbo, The Brothers Barrymore (Lionel & John), Joan Crawford, Wallace Beery, Lewis Stone, Jean Hersholt
From: MGM
Last night I decided to go in an entirely different direction-at least compared to what I've seen so far in 2021-by talking about a famed early 30's ensemble drama (the fifth movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture) filled with some of MGM's biggest stars at the time. The setting is Berlin-as it's based on a German novel from Vicki Baum-and it shows a few days in the titular hotel following several characters and storylines that usually intersect with each other.
This includes a manic overly dramatic ballerina-Greta Garbo, who proved here why she was a huge star at the time-a Baron who squandered his cash and is desperate for money, an industrialist who hired a stenographer as he tries to close a big deal, and an accountant who decides to go all YOLO and live it up due to his dire health. There's even an interesting subplot where a bellhop is anxious about the impending birth of his first child. For me it was a treat seeing these roles brought to life by the likes of Garbo, the Brothers Barrymore (Lionel & John), Joan Crawford, Wallace Beery, and Lewis Stone. Despite the claim from a supporting character in the beginning-and end-to say that “nothing happens” at this location is a falsehood.
It was a fun ride and despite the almost two hour length there was nary a dull moment due to all the stories being told and its quick pace. There is drama in the Baron's repeated attempts to acquire some ducets, romance in Garbo finding love, and the sheer joy of accountant Otto finally enjoying life as it is coming to a close... while Garbo's performance is arguably the best, Lionel Barrymore as Otto was the most memorable for me. It was delightful to see the character get drunk, hang out w/ the rich folk, and hang out with early 1930's Crawford. When Otto passed away after the events of Grand Hotel, I am sure he had a smile on his face. Thankfully a few people there showed him compassion and even if they had the chance to rip him off, their conscience got in the way and they did the right thing instead.
Mix in nice direction from Edmund Golding that included some nifty camerawork for the time, and this was a delightful time even if some of the participants had rather dark final moments. After all, this is the movie where Greta (more than once) utters “I want to be alone.”
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