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A darling of the screen, a famous recluse, the Swedish Sphinx: Greta Garbo. The enigmatic Swedish actress bewitched audiences with her mesmerizing beauty and unparalleled talent during Hollywood’s Golden Age. With a career spanning from the silent era to the advent of sound in film, Garbo left an indelible mark on the silver screen. Renowned for her mysterious nature and guarded personal life, Garbo’s enigma only heightened the fascination that surrounded her, which drove fans to throw themselves at her car windshield and prompted her to retreat further.
From her breakthrough role in “Flesh and the Devil” to her unforgettable performances in films such as “Grand Hotel” and “Ninotchka,” Garbo defied conventions and shattered expectations, including refusing to play MGM’s usual power moves and possible blackmail against actors.
Sources (Used/Consulted/Read Along the Way)
Greta Garbo by Karen Swenson
The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood by Diana McLellan
Greta Garbo: Divine Star by Bret David
Here Lies the Heart by Mercedes de Acosta
The Sewing Circle: Hollywood’s Greatest Secret by Axel Madsen