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Maybe the first talking ensemble of Hollywood elite in 1932, "Grand Hotel" has the slogan "where nothing ever happens." But don't we know better! Greta Garbo is the frustrated touring ballerina Grusinskaya who has lost her self-esteem. She wails her famous "I vant to be alone" speech several times--not just once. Lionel Barrymore is Otto Kringelein, living it up because he has some money to spend before he dies of a terminal illness. John Barrymore, the Baron Felix von Geigom, is desperate as a penniless nobleman in need of some money, and thus he resorts to thievery. Joan Crawford is Miss Flaemmchen, the "stenographer" in my very favorite role that she ever played. She is a good, simple person for a change and shows sympathy to Mr. Kringelein while falling in love with the baron. Miss Flaemmchen is in the hotel to work for Mr. Preysing (Wallace Berry), who is a ruthless businessman trying to consummate a merger. Around all this, we have a story with a hotel employee, whose wife is having a baby. We also see the activity of telephone operators, bellboys, the hotel manager, and the desk clerk. The intermingling of all these people creates a great story with a very shocking ending. Although it takes place in Berlin in between the great wars, there is no mention of Nazis or goverment overthrowing. Even Berlin had normal problems then.Read full review
this is one of the all time great castings of the '30s. joan crawford, lionel and john barrymore, and the fabulous greta garbo. just watching her is delicious. joan is in one of her earlier roles and it's fun to see her before she became that strong 1940's dame. and as usual john barrymore is cast as down on his luck, like he seemed to do in the latter part of his career. no matter he is always fabulous in anything he does. and i will eternally love whatever lionel barrymore does. no matter how meek the role, as in this one. just a wonderful movie that takes you back to luxurious '30s berlin and the wealth and sadness that prevails.
i bought the book grand hotel at our library book sale for one dollar. it takes place just before the hitler era. the events of this dull sounding book were so explosive i checked to see if it was made into a movie, and it was. i found this dvd on ebay and although i haven't seen it yet i would expect it is riveting. of particular interest in the book was a character, a secretary, described as having such a slim waist, and was so tan, as she walked through the lobby of the hotel everyone just stopped and stared. but sadly they just had joan crawford play her, instead of some little naturist tinkerbell. the events of the book hinged on the sensual appeal of this girl and so they needed someone more appropriate, but keep in mind the movie was made in the 30s and they had to observe decorum.Read full review
A fun, lighthearted movie that's fun to watch with the entire family. No bad LSV. It features a great cast with lots of talent. The cast works very well together on-screen, and the plot is fun. If you think people just come and go from this hotel, you have another thought coming! This movie offers great personalities with a wide range of experience and personal stories who all have something unique to say. The viewer will love how these stories all unfold and how everyone will want to visit this hotel for themselves just to be a part of this hotels history! An A+
Great movie with a wonderful cast. Have watched this several times & continue to enjoy.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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