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• Two "Inspiration"s, One Mistake

  • Elaine
  • 3/20/12

  I nearly missed this showing of "Inspiration" because however it happened, TCM posted the film with an entirely different cast [featuring Bernard McEveety, Director; George Walsh; Gladys Frazin; Marguerite Clayton; Earle Larrimore, et al]. This lineup mentioned neither Garbo nor Montgomery [for those who had the same omission, that's Greta Garbo and Robert Montgomery, as well as Lewis Stone, Marjorie Rambeau, Judith Vosselli, Beryl Mercer, and Karen Morley, among others], and there was no explanation nor review of that film. I don't know if there are two "Inspirations", or just a glitch; but I am happy to briefly comment on the Garbo version I just watched. First, anything starring Garbo -- especially an early talkie -- is an adventure for me. Include the wonderful Robert Montgomery, one of my favorite actors (and used better as he built his skill and reputation in such films as "Blondie of the Follies" (1932) with Marion Davies; "The Last of Mrs. Cheney" (1937) with Joan Crawford; and "Hide-Out" (1934) with Maureen O'Sullivan and a very young Mickey Rooney), and I have the makings for a fun-filled time. Even though this film is certainly not the most brilliant nor amusing, my stars struggled valiantly to rise above the material they had to work with. In the end, however, the poor script and uninspired performances are too much, alas, even for these. Still happy I saw it, though. Thank you, TCM.

• INSPIRATION (1931)

  • larrys
  • 3/20/12

  well, from my perspective - a full 80 years later - i find it an alluring film, a film I had never seen before [thank you, TCM]. The film is indeed beautifully photographed and Garbo, of course, is perfect. i find RM believable in the role as the straight and narrow career man (culminating in his magnificent "They were expendable" portrayal) whose stable life Garbo wants, the tragedy being a life she can never get. Once you accept the premises this "talking pictorial conception" (NYT, 2/9/31) turns out to be rather mesmerizing.

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