The Kiss (1929)

Directed by Jacques Feyder. Starring Greta Garbo, Conrad Nagel, Lew Ayres, Anders Randolf, Holmes Herbert, George Davis.

Succinct and satisfactory romantic meller depicting unhappily married Garbo carrying on a clandestine affair with Nagel, then getting caught in a compromising (but “innocent”) position with young Ayres. Formula tragedy emphasizes the exotic allure of its star, downplays its more tedious attractions; once it hits the courtroom phase, credulity turns to shreds. But even when Hanns Kräly’s script (based on a George M. Saville short story) hits the skids, Feyder’s direction and Garbo’s underplayed physicality and dramatic expressions hold interest. Ayres’ first credited film performance, and Garbo’s final silent feature.

66/100