Rent Greta Garbo Collection: Anna Christie (1930)

Garbo Talks - Greta Garbo Collection: Anna Christie review by PT

Garbo talks was the marketing campaign behind this film, as it was her first talkie.

We first see Garbo when the bell rings at the ladies entrance to the bar. As the barman opens the door Garbo stands there eyeing the place up in a classic shot. In she walks, the Garbo walk, leading with the shoulder and takes a seat. It's 16 minutes in when she utters her first words in talkies, "give me a whisky, ginger ale on the side, and don't be stingy baby". Her voice a brilliant revelation now, even more so at the time.

She really pours her heart out in this film, about her hard life, abandoned to a terrible upbringing. Especially in the scene where she tells her father and boyfriend, " I am my own boss....." and makes a heart breaking confession. Her acting is phenomenal.

Garbo the silent superstar becomes an even greater icon with the advent of talkies. For me this film is sensational, a milestone in cinematic history. Garbo received an Oscar nomination for this and the film Romance, made later the same year (in them days stars could be nominated for two films for one award). The first talkie for the greatest film star that's ever been is a must see for all film aficionados.

Gritty Garbo - Greta Garbo Collection: Anna Christie review by PE

Its fun to see Garbo upstaged by Marie Dressler as the local dockside soak.

But there's no denying Garbo's star quality. When we first see her entering the local bar she really does seem to have the weight of the world on her shoulders.

And the voice, of course, more fun is to be had listening to her wrap her Nordic accent around American slang. Like listening to Abba rapping.