Grand Hotel Reviews

The other side of paradise

Like many old movies the plot does not stand modern examination. The veteran thief baron cannot be that easily caught by a foolish millionaire, let alone ridiculously killed by his few strokes on the head. The pretty and good-hearted stenographer, in her mourning for her lover baron, cannot abruptly throw herself into the arms of a dying man, who also happens to be greatly indebted to the baron and in deep sorrow for his death. The twist from a tragedy to a comic ending of the hastily bonded pair eloping to Paris looked both improbable and anticlimactic.

Even if one watches without a modern inquisitive mind and with nostalgia for the past Hollywood glory, it still is not without disappointment. There are powerful moments, of course, like one cannot help but notice Greta Garbo's characteristic manly walk, trotting forth with large and firm steps and forward-bending shoulders. But these moments occur only occasionally; most of the time Garbo's Russian ballerina is either in a depressive trance or pursuing her love dramatically frantically. The farcical nature of the movie undercuts her performance, as nosy Hollywood did to her life. Her famous line "I want to be alone" is sure empathetic; the story of a once-famous dancer now fallen, pale and unrecognised, is not unlike her own life from popularity to obscurity.

John Barrymore's baron is doomed to death because of his kindness and sympathy for the poor and the miserable. Another parable of the decadent and amoral Grand Hotel/Hollywood/our world?

The Performance, the performance...the performance!!

I don't really agree with whying from London, who talks about the plot not standing up. I don't think you should watch old films comparing the plot to contemporary films, it's what makes them different to today's films and should be viewed in context. Also you have to remember back then there were certain rules etc and things that couldn't be said/shown on screen that are prevalent in today's movies. In respect of the murder scene, back then there couldn't be violence like that of the type of violence in The Soprano's and feel that this scene was fine, given the restraints on films back then. Also in respect to the other reviewer, i found this highly entertaining and humorous at times and didn‘t at all feel it to be boring or stilted.

Saying about it being unbelievable, for me this was one of those films that isn't meant to be realistic, it's just meant to be fun. I also very much liked the performance of a Joan Crawford as the stenographer.

Old films need to be watched and viewed in the context of the era, instead of saying it’s showing its age of course, grand hotel is 75 years old its bound to be very different than films of today, therefore seeming to show its age but all in all a very good film, which I enjoyed a lot!

One of the all-time great films

This film is, in my opinion, one of the best films ever made. It interweaves a complex cast of characters in a plot which is both engaging and funny. It is remarkably prescient in terms of what is to come in Berlin during the Nazi era. Finally, the filming is beautiful. Highly recommended.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Grandly entertaining

People come, people go but things definitely do happen in this early example of the all-star extravaganza, set in a classy Berlin hotel. Most famous segment is cat burglar John Barrymore falling for intended victim, worn-out ballerina Garbo who just wants to be alone. Brother Lionel Barrymore plays a dying man whooping it up in style before his big exit, affording him the chance to tackle his cruel boss Beery. But it's Crawford who scores best as a slinky, very knowing stenographer. A little faded with time, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Very dated

In 1932 the public might have found it fascinating to see how 'the other people lived'. Not anymore. Even the beautiful Greta Garbo couldn't keep me awake.

Grand Hotel - great film

Quite unexpectedly downbeat ending for Hollywood classic.

Some quite risque dialogue also (was this before the Hayes Code?).

Everyone is suffering & struggling. Very 1930s agenda about poverty & survival.

Does betray some silent movie influence in places & John Barrymore maybe slightly too old for his role. Garbo looks amazing on camera as always.

Was expecting something more light-hearted so it had quite an impact.

A Grand Performance

Yes, I really enjoyed this film.

Its multiple plots and stories that interconnect must have been pretty fulfilling for the audience at the time of its release.

I thought it started well and never went downhill afterwards. The film's repeated phrase, ahem, '...where nothing ever happens' is the key to the meaning of the film (money) and completes an altogether very tidy production, for what could otherwise be a fairly untidy plot, if put in the wrong directorial hands.

She vants to be alone

Despite its starry cast and high production values this still manages to be boring and stilted; and it has dated very badly too.

This is the one where Greta wants to be alone and that's the most interesting thing about it.