LUMIERE CINEMA

THE TEMPTRESS (1926), 16mm

–with brilliant live music by a master of live film accompaniment, Cliff Retallick.

Sunday, February 25; 2:00 p.m.

$15.00 GENERAL ADMISSION

drama romance /
2023 / 1hr 2 mins /
written by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Dorothy Farnum, Marian Ainslee /
directed by Fred Niblo, Mauritz Stiller /
country: U.S.A. /
language: silent with English title cards /

“Directed by Fred Niblo, renowned for his work on Ben-Hur (1925), Blood and Sand (1922) and The Mark of Zorro (1920), The Temptress is a masterclass in visual storytelling. Niblo’s direction infuses each scene with a sense of grandeur and drama.”

“In The Temptress, Garbo portrays a character who is alluring and enigmatic, with a hint of vulnerability beneath her facade of confidence. As the plot unfolds, her nuanced performance draw viewers into a world of forbidden desires and hidden agendas. Her performance transcends language, speaking through subtle gestures and expressions, showcasing her as one of the finest actresses of her generation.”

“The storyline transports us from extravagant Parisian masked balls, a dramatic suicide during a banquet, and clandestine romance in a park, to the rugged landscapes of Argentina for a thrilling duel of honor involving whips, acts of sabotage, and catastrophic floods, all portrayed with impressive visual effects. The film’s visuals are a testament to the brilliant craftsmanship of the silent film era.”

“The Temptress (1926) is a testament to the brilliance of silent cinema, starring the incomparable Greta Garbo in her second American film. Directed by Fred Niblo, this cinematic gem transports audiences into a world of passion, intrigue, and undeniable charisma.”

“The heart of The Temptress lies in Greta Garbo’s mesmerizing performance. Only 20, Garbo is simply, spectacularly beautiful. But her talents extend far beyond her striking appearance. A contemporary Photoplay reviewer wrote, “Look back and think if you can of any actress who had made a more profound impression than Greta Garbo in but one picture. You can’t. Neither can I.””

read more on The Temptress by

Felicia Feaster, circa 2004, at TCM.com–