User reviews

Greta Garbo is the controversial "Queen Christina" in this beautiful 1933 film directed by the great Rouben Mamoulian, responsible for the resplendent 1941 "Blood and Sand" and many other films. Here, Garbo is reunited with a leading man from silent films, John Gilbert, and the two are marvelous together. It's so strange now to remember that there was supposedly something wrong with Gilbert's voice so when talkies came in, it wrecked his career. Obviously his voice was just fine, and in this film, he speaks with a classically trained voice and has great facility for the dialogue. Perhaps it's true that Mayer hated him and sped up his voice in his sound debut; but most likely, his alcoholism is what ultimately destroyed his career.

The script takes wild liberties with the real Queen's life, but it makes for excellent entertainment. Queen Christina was educated as a man at her father's directive so she could take over the throne, and she supposedly, as in the film, had some sort of relationship with her lady-in-waiting, Ebba. One site states that Christina abdicated her throne to be with Ebba; however, Ebba had already married and left the court by the time Christina abdicated. After her abdication, she traveled to Rome as a man and steeped herself in culture. Later on, she tried to become Queen of a couple of countries and became involved with a Cardinal, to whom she left her estate when she died at the age of 63.

Here, Christina travels as a man and ends up sharing a room with an envoy of the King of Spain, Don Antonio (Gilbert), who becomes her lover. The bedroom scenes are quite controversial, though no sex is shown. It was thought that Garbo fondling different things in the room as she "memorizes" it was a symbol of her fondling something else - plus there is only bed in the room and the two were obviously in it, though the bed was curtained. And that's as explicit as one got in 1933. The scenes at the inn apparently wiped out any concern for Christina's kissing of Ebba (Elizabeth Young) on the lips earlier!

The acting is superb, particularly from Garbo, Gilbert, and Ian Keith (Magnus). Keith was a little known character actor, yet he was an accomplished stage performer who was very impressive in film - he can be seen as Joan Blondell's drunken husband in "Nightmare Alley." As for Gilbert, what a shame - a wonderful, attractive actor who plays Antonio with great wit and intelligence. He and Garbo made a great team. Garbo is gloriously beautiful, and in a nice touch, walks in the same lumbering way as the actress who plays her as a little girl does. This is the film with possibly the most famous close-up in cinematic history - as Garbo supposedly thinks of "nothing" as she stands on the ship. The camera lingers on her for what seems like forever...yet it is somehow not long enough.

The exciting, final pairing of a great screen team is only enhanced by the subtle touches of Mamoulian and the beautiful cinematography. Don't miss it.

I sometimes think that films should be ranked rather like golfers, with a seniors' section for the over 50s. It is often difficult for the inherent quality of a film to shine through the grainy black and white, crackly sound, stagey sets and ludicrous back-projections. One test of a classic film is: if you went and saw it at your local multiplex tonight, would you enjoy it. Maybe Casablanca, Double Indemnity, The Maltese Falcon...and, surprisingly, Queen Christina looking as modern and sexy today as when it was made in 1933. The main thing that makes it stand out from the crowd is its literate and thoughtful screenplay. The subject matter is new to most people who, like myself, have only the sketchiest of knowledge about 17th century Swedish history. Garbo is magnificent as an intelligent, liberated queen. She spends most of the film in men's clothes and thigh-length boots. I'm always rather incredulous of the Shakespearean convention where the heroine only has to put on a pair of trousers and everyone assumes she is a boy. Queen Christina delightfully pokes fun at this convention. Garbo, dressed as a boy, finds that she has to share the last room at the inn with John Gilbert, the Spanish envoy. In a scene that radiates sexiness, Garbo only has to take off her jacket for Gilbert to realise that she is all woman.

One of silent cinema's greatest pairings, Greta Garbo and John Gilbert starred together one last time in Queen Christina. Gilbert's career was in tatters by 1933 after a string on failures, and Laurence Olivier had already bailed from the role, but Garbo insisted on Gilbert. And he is wonderful as the Spanish envoy. He looks great and gives a sly performance with plenty of wit. This is also one of Garbo's best talkies. Together they light up the screen. This film also boasts some of the most gorgeous close ups of Garbo you've ever seen. Solid historical drama of Swedish queen who abdicates for love. Good supporting cast includes Lewis Stone, Reginald Owen, Akim Tamiroff, Ian Keith as the slimy Magnus, C. Aubrey Smith, Elizabeth Young, and David Torrence. Beautiful film with solid performances and, dare I say, very feminist in its view. Gilbert's performance in this film and Downstairs (1932) should have put him back on top. What a shame. Norma Desmond was right when she said, "They took the idols and they smashed them. The The Gilberts, the Fairbankses, the Valentinos."

I recently purchased the Greta Garbo DVD collection and the first film I watched was "Queen Christina". It's the first time I've seen it from beginning to end and it's a beautiful and haunting film. I'm surprised by how old it is. It was made in 1933! And yet the film, aside from the usual dated aspects seen in every movie made then, is remarkably ahead of its time, certainly in the way it views of a female nobility, androgyny and homosexuality. It surprising this movie was made, in the light of the nefarious Hays Code which came into existence just a couple of years before this film was made.

The cinematography is beautiful. The script, though simplistic in its portrayal of Queen Christina's life (the reason I gave this film one star short of a perfect 10), is full of interesting dialogue, which is endlessly quotable. But the one thing that makes the movie so great is Greta herself. Remove Greta from the movie and not much is left. She makes the movie and what an amazing and haunting performance she gives. Some might find her way of acting a bit much but personally, I think it's something to behold. There's no other actor in the world of cinema like Greta Garbo and this film proves it in spades. Her performance is pitch perfect: she's towering, impossibly beautiful and yet vulnerable and warm as well, which is amazing feat. There are several unforgettable and iconic scenes in "Queen Christina" but the biggest icon is Greta herself. Her overwhelming presence in the movie makes it a thoroughly haunting experience. It's amazing that the folks behind the camera knew what amazing person they were working with and "Queen Christina" is the perfect showcase for this legendary star.

As for the quality of the DVD transfer, it's a shame there isn't a better looking version than this one. The film was filled with scratches and sound problems. Like Lawrence of Arabia or Vertigo, "Queen Christina" needs to be restored to its former glory and re-released on the big screen, so a new generation can discover and appreciate this underrated movie.

"I,m tired of being a symbol, Chancellor, I long to be a human being! This longing I cannot suppress!" (Greta Garbo as queen Christina)

On December, the 26th, 1933 Rouben Mamoulian's great production about the Swedish queen was released. Greta Garbo (1905-1990), a Swedish actress already famous for her roles in silent movies and some sound films, like Anna Christie (1930), was cast to play the main role by Rouben Mamoulian for the first time in her new contract. Perhaps, the producers with the director expected some success, but certainly nobody could think of the movie being watched and admired in the 21st century...

The story of Christina is changed; however, it does not make a serious distortion. The movie shows a lot of true facts from her life (her coronation in 1632 and her desire for peace) as well as some additional events (she did not abdicate for love). But, like with most other films, history had to be interpreted to the need of the audience of the 1930s.

The movie is mostly famous for dealing with Christina's desire for personal happiness and love affair between Christina and the Spanish ambassador Don Antonio De Pimentel (John Gilbert). The most memorable scene, for me personally, is their first meeting in an inn. The way Mr Mamoulian showed it is really extraordinary: nothing vulgar or open without taboo. Grapes which are a reference either to Ancient Greece and god Bachus or to Spain, Antonio's homeland. Christina is showed walking through the room and touching all objects in order to memorize them. Greta Garbo gives one of her finest performances in this memorable scene. REALLY SENSIBLE SCENE THAT VERY FEW PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO SHOOT NOWADAYS! What is more, her lesbianism is hidden. There is only one moment when Christina kisses one of her servant girls in the mouth.

Another significant aspect of the movie is Christina's long for being a human, not a symbol. Her famous words that I contained at the beginning of my review reflect her personality. Everything she does is for happiness. She falls in love with Antonio and plans a happy life with him. However, Antonio dies in her arms and their love cannot be fulfilled. The final shot of Christina standing at the bow of the ship as it sets sail is another impressive, magnificent moment. Before shooting this scene, Mr Mamoulian said to Greta: "I want your face to be a blank sheet of paper. I want the writing to be done by every member of the audience..."

The cast are excellent. Greta Garbo performed in many movies, including ANNA KARENINA (1935), LOVE (1927), MATA HARI (1931), CAMILLE (1936), and in all of them, she was perfect; but this role is her ultimate masterpiece. Undoubtedly incredible! Even if you don't like anything about this movie, Greta's performance is something you will never forget. Consider how she played a man while meeting Antonio in an inn; or her speech where she calls for the end of Thirty Years War: "Spoils, glory, flags, and trumpets! What is behind these high sounding words? Death and destruction!"

John Gilbert also does a good job as Antonio but he, like everyone else, is in the shadow of Greta. I do not know if there were other such good actors or actresses in cinema's history. Perhaps, Romy Schneider... but, indeed, very few people could leave such an unfading trace in cinema.

Queen Christina is my beloved, favorite movie, a piece of high art at multiple levels. More than 70 years have passed since it was released and the movie is still a pleasure to see. It has been a must-have in my family from the time my Grandma was young in the 1930s. The movie really deserves to be released on DVD.

There are movies that you watch and quickly forget.

There are movies that you may like and see them more than once to remember for longer.

Queen Christina is a movie that, having seen once, you will never forget.

With no hesitation 10/10

In the 1600s, a headstrong young queen rules over war-torn Sweden, but infuriates her people by falling in love with a dashing Spanish ambassador. Both a dramatic and (surprisingly) lighthearted look at a woman caught between true love and her duties, with Greta Garbo and John Gilbert superb as the star-crossed lovers. The stodgy opening prologue seems unnecessarily mannered (Garbo, too, takes a while to warm up); however, the madly romantic Gilbert enlivens both the narrative and his co-star, and the film's final moments are honestly emotional, not hoked-up for easy tears. Well-directed by Rouben Mamoulian, sharply-written by H. M. Harwood and Salka Viertel from Viertel and Margaret P. Levino's original treatment (though many other writers were said to have worked on the script), and beautiful black-and-white cinematography by William H. Daniels. *** from ****

Garbo is nothing less than magnificent as Queen Christina, speaking her lines with the power of a Luther or Mark Antony. This film is stunning and a revelation. Lewis Stone and C.Aubrey Smith play her stalwart supporters with their usual competence. The beautiful direction of Mamoulian gives us the memory of the unforgettable visage of Garbo, transcending by far the saccharine looks of most of the modern imposters called stars.Feeling? This movie has it in spades. A crowning achievement in cinema, an unforgettable film.

It's 1632. The Protestant King of Sweden falls in battle. A six year old girl climbs onto the throne. Sixteen years later, Sweden is winning the Thirty Years' War and Queen Christina (Greta Garbo) would like it to end. On the other hand, her advisors want to continue the expensive endeavor. She overrules them and signs the peace agreement. Her advisor Magnus is her slavish admirer. Her country is eager to marry her to a Swedish prince and produce an heir. She falls for the new Spanish Ambassador Antonio (John Gilbert) but a public affair with a Catholic would be dangerous.

The inn section is fun although I kept waiting for her to do a big reveal. The film does end up doing an interesting reveal. The fun situation sets up relatively good chemistry. The movie is missing some good action. They have a 30 years war and only one small war scene. The production designs are big and impressive. It's a grand costume drama. The story is rather straight forward and the rumored real story may be more interesting. All in all, it's good.

With new films being made and classics being forgotten, many mediocre classics are being blocked away from people's memories for good. Queen Christina displays the perfect example of what film glamour used to be and how good Greta Garbo can be. Her portrayal of the virgin Queen Christina can be interrelated to Julia Roberts' portrayal of Erin Brockovich: Christina is a single woman trying to solve a great national problem while upholding a relationship. Even though Queen Christina's romance can be seen as far-fetched, its dialogue gives the film great emotion that just pulls you in. For example, in the first 15 minutes of the film, I was seriously considering turning the film off, but then the incredible quote "The snow is like a white sea: you can sail off, get lost, forget your troubles, and forget who you are. It's simply Heaven." dragged me into the movie's slowly unraveling plot of forbidden romance. Even better, the movie is short (c. 95 min.) so you're not just waiting for it to end. In short, a perfect example of forgotten classics, forgotten stars, and the glamorous and beautiful Greta Garbo at her peak.

This is a movie with several good points, but "Queen Christina" is most of all notable for the outstanding performance by the great Greta Garbo, in a role that is perfect for her. There are good settings and a good story, with the rest of the cast also mostly performing well, but Garbo's terrific performance grabs the viewer's attention and holds it for the entire film.

The story is very loosely based on the historical Queen Christina, who ruled Sweden in the mid-1600's. The historical character was interesting in her own right, but the movie adds a clandestine love affair with a Spanish ambassador that serves as a catalyst for questions about Christina's identity, duty, and perspective. It's a fine character study that makes ideal material for Garbo, and she is thoroughly convincing when portraying the queen's dilemmas, desires, and decisions. While the historical context is important, many of the things that the queen agonizes over are also timeless concerns, making the portrayal even more memorable. The story itself is also good, with a memorable climax.

This is a fine classic, recommended not only for those who enjoy older films, but also for anyone who can appreciate a great performance by a great actress.

Few times the face of an actress has been more fascinating that in this movie.With a great and ,sometimes,pictorical direction ,Mamoulian directed Greta Garbo like the great star she was.The movie have a great plot and unforgettable shots.For example,the queen in a dark room,walking like a ghost ,or the final shot with inexpressive Garbo's face.I saw this movie when i was a child and it's one of my favorites.Visual style is like Eisenstein or Griffith movies and the whole movie is the perfect combination of art and great spectacle(this is unusual).I love this movie ,I think is one of the few movies that is really perfect.A truly masterpiece for all times.

In the year 1632, the armies of Sweden, under the banners of its hero, King Gustavus Adolphus, were in the midst of the great Thirty Years's War that was to give the Norsemen the leadership of Europe. But the Swedish triumphs were darkened when, leading his hosts at Lutzen, King Gustavus fell on the battlefield. Queen Christina of Sweden ascended to the throne at the age of six and as an adult has proven to be a wise and just ruler. There is much speculation about who she will marry - and produce an heir - but she is not interested in any of the possibilities mentioned, including Prince Charles (Reginald Owen) whose marriage with him the Queen Christina must accept. By order of the ministers and advisors, Oxenstierna (Lewis Stone) and Aage (C. Aubrey Smith), her marriage to her cousin Prince Carlos Gustavo must be carried out. Along the way, she frequently makes escapades outside the palace disguised as a man, in one of which she meets the Spanish emissary of Philip IV, who travels to court with a marriage proposal. With him she spends an unforgettable night that leads to an uncertain future. She does fall in love with the Spanish ambassador, Antonio (John Gilbert), but marriage is out of the question given that he is a Roman Catholic. Triumphant Return To The Screen! The Romance of a Queen who remembered she was a woman! .The whole world hails her triumphant return! More alluring more thrilling more beautiful then ever.

A stylish recital for Garbo set in the mid-17th century, a nice film graced with the vulnerable and distant quality that only the great goddess Greta Greta Garbo could deliver by giving one of the best acting of her short career. Alternately hilarious and moving, it holds some of Garbo's greatest and most memorable moments. The very attractive Garbo, beautifully dressed in gowns by Adrian, plays the famous Queen providing sensibility and sweetness that only she could bring to character. Greta Garbo is very attractive playing the 17th century Queen of Sweden, whose career comes stuck when she falls for the Spanish Ambassador, a touching but some inadequate acting from John Gilbert, her old cohort from the silents. Gilbert's second to last movie and his only successful outing after coming of sound. Despite her Swedish accent, the actress Greta Garbo overcame the transition from silent to sound films very well, in films such as "Grand Hotel", Ana Karenina or this ¨Queen Christina¨. It is lifted far above its origins, partly by Robert Mamoulian who moulds potentially stodgy scenes with his finicky regard to detail and partly by Garbo herself: she turns her role into a living entity, extracts real emotion from the storyline's purple clumps and glides through cameraman William Daniels' winding camera movements with beauty, grace and wit. The combined magic of Metro Goldwyn Mayer's big studio and Greta's extraordinary presence legitimized this vintage film, an archaic creaker into an unforgettable flick. There are various adaptations based on this story , though this one remains the consummate rendition of this stirring and sad love story. Greta Garbo and John Gilbert are well accompanied by a stunning secondary cast, such as: Ian Keith, Lewis Stone, Elizabeth Young, C. Aubrey Smith, David Torrence, and Reginald Owen.

The motion picture was competently directed by Robert Mamoulian. He was born in Tiflis, Georgia, and he was an ethnic Armenian. Robert emigrated to the United States where he went under contract to Paramount Pictures from 1929-33. Noted for his use of the subjective, 360-degree revolving camera for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932). At 20th Century-Fox from 1940-42, he excelled at costume dramas, such as The mark of the Zorro (1940) and Blood and Sand (1941). His creative influence was so great that his films sometimes carried the credit 'A Rouben Mamoulian Production', even though he never produced any films. He has directed five films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of US Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Applause(1929), Love Me Tonight (1932), Becky Sharp (1935), The mark of the Zorro (1940) and Porgy y Bess (1959). Rating: 7.5/10. Better than average.

If you really want to see Garbo's greatest performance, greatest role, and greatest movie, THIS is it. This movie will delight you thoroughly, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you helplessly bedazzled by the greatest actress of her age.

There isn't a false note or wasted moment in this masterpiece of a film. John Gilbert, Garbo's true love in real life, plays her beloved in this movie. Both stars create fireworks and warmth, and both conjure up an unforgettable screen romance.

Forget all the slick CGI flicks and the thin, over-hyped blockbusters endlessly served up to audiences today. This movie grabs you from the very first scene, and never lets you go. Garbo's power and presence and brilliant acting dominate the film and make a thrilling story even more memorable.

You won't regret watching this film -- I guarantee that!

Period dramas made in the past often fall foul of reflecting the time which they were made in, not when they were set. This one however is timeless and ageless evoking a feel of the seventeenth century whilst still being very much a grand MGM epic from the golden age of Hollywood. It's beautifully and imaginatively crafted by maestro director Rouben Mamoulian to perfection and acted with complete believability and passion evoking some very real emotion.

It is set during the truly horrific (and complicated) Thirty Years War and begins with the death of the Protestant leader, Swedish king, Gustav Adolf. He leaves behind his seven year old daughter to take over as 'king' to continue leading Sweden in the terrible war. Greta Garbo's particular acting style and strong Swedish accent which can sometimes feel a little too theatrical at times is for once absolutely perfectly suited to playing this person who in reality had to be the greatest actress in Sweden. The role Christina had to play was to convince her subjects that their suffering, their sacrifices were God's will and unquestionably necessary. Her act was to instil such hatred of the enemy, such detestation of Catholicism that the mass slaughter of literally millions of people could be justified but it was all just an act. Although this state of perpetual war was all she had ever known, Christina herself could not convince herself that this was indeed God's will and Garbo brilliantly with incredible subtlety conveys this inner mental turmoil. Her other role was produce an heir and that is what this film uses as its hook to get into her mind.

Greta Garbo was personally involved with the making of this film, it was her own pet project and she insisted that her co-star would be her old flame, John Gilbert. He too is excellent as Christina's Spanish love interest. Fuelled with the memories of their past passionate affair, the chemistry between the two of them seems very real and is genuinely touching. Before you start to complain that the love story between Christina and Alfonso is completely made up you should know that the writer used this very clever device to symbolise her inner struggles, the epic battles going on inside her head between her feelings as a compassionate and sensitive, intelligent woman and her feelings as a king. John Gilbert's allegorical character represents Christina's aspirations, her desire for independence and her desire for freedom which she knows can never be. The famous tragic last scene (which is honestly quite emotional) is inevitable.

The story is tragically sad and so is the story of poor John Gilbert. His ill-advised monumental fall out with Louis Mayer, the most powerful man in Hollywood completely destroyed his career resulting in his death from alcoholism just three years after making this. Such tragedies seemed to be all too common back in the days of the 'studio system' with stars such as John Gilbert, John Barrymore and Clara Bow. A guy driving a truck driver or girl from the typing pool were virtually overnight given a new life, earning literally millions of dollars and then maybe a year later, at the whim of a studio head were unemployed, that life was over. In some ways John Gilbert's character in this film which can logically only have one ending reflects the actor's own trajectory.

Queen Christina (1933) : Brief Review -

A Queen's struggle of Love Vs Kingdom that turned Greta Garbo from Glamorous Garbo to Great Garbo and left footprints for a better version - Wyler's "Roman Holiday". Oscar Winning Classic "Grand Hotel" (1932) and Queen Christina in consecutive years confirmed that Greta Garbo was a 'Great Garbo' and not just a 'Glamorous Grabo'. Her silent flicks showcased her glamour but these two films confirmed that she was a Great actor too and she gave couple of amazing performance later as well. For me, she was the best female thing in Hollywood after Lillian Gish and before Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn took over. It's sad that she didn't get powerful filmography or brunch of classics like those 3 actresses mentioned above. No disrespect to the Great Garbo but I have found her films overrated. A star is never bigger than the film for me and i don't hesitate to bash even many legends if their films aren't that great. I have seen Flesh and The Devil, Camille, Ninotchka, and Grand Hotel and except for the last one i have found all those films nowhere close to greatness or Classic tag. Queen Christina has joined that list just now. If you remember William Wyler's Roman Holiday then this was earlier version of it with biographical reference. But anyday, Roman Holiday is much better film than this. That intellectualism, profounding ethics and mic drop burn in the climax everything was far better in Roman Holiday. Queen Christina has its ups and down. Ups in the second half and downs in the first half. It's a good film, very good actually for its time but having a Classic like Grand Hotel already an year ago makes this Garbo flick look underwhelming. Historical accuracies aside, but even some fictional theories are little dumb otherwise it's a Fine watch for beautiful performances and decent storyline.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I wonder how much of Queen Christina would have made it past the censors had it been released one year later under the watchful eye of the Hays Code. There are some pretty steamy bedroom scenes between Greta Garbo and John Gilbert that communicate a great deal, even by today's standards. Greta, the queen of Sweden, often traverses the countryside dressed as a man, since she was raised as a boy by her father. She hunts, wears pants, wears her hair short, has a male valet-played by the sweet C. Aubrey Smith-and refuses to marry. "I'm going to die a bachelor!" she proclaims, correcting her aide who asked if she wanted to become an old maid. When she spends the night at an inn, she's assumed to be a man, and John Gilbert is asked to bunk up with her because all the other rooms are full. As they undress to get ready for bed, Greta's gender is revealed. They spend the night together, and in the morning, the innkeeper enters the room and observes the curtains drawn on the four-poster bed. John Gilbert calls out that neither of them will be coming downstairs for breakfast but instead want it served up in their room. The innkeeper looks uncomfortable but obeys and leaves them alone.

For those of you who don't know about the Hays Code, that scene was a really big deal. Men and women would never be shown to have spent the night together in that way, with their voices emanating from behind the curtains of a bed. Twin beds were preferable, and at least one person's feet had to be seen touching the floor, if one of them was lying down. Queen Christina was a very dirty movie for 1933. Following their breakfast in bed, John lounges by the fireplace and Greta returns to bed, hugging her pillow and very obviously reminiscing about their night together. She's transformed, and for the rest of the movie, she wears gowns and acts as feminine as she can.

While most of you probably want to hop right out and rent this movie for your next date night, a word of caution: the rest of the movie is incredibly boring. Greta Garbo's famous "face that launched a thousand ships" scene is in this movie, but when she's carrying out her royal duties and conversing with her advisors, Lewis Stone, Reginald Owen, and Ian Keith, you'll struggle to stay awake. Her acting chops are not shown off in this movie, as she vacillates from overdramatic antics leftover from her silent movies to stern, boring, royal monologues. Unless you really, really love her, you'll probably be bored to tears.