Camille (1936 film)
Camille | |
---|---|
Directed by | George Cukor |
Written by | James Hilton Zoë Akins Frances Marion Story: Alexandre Dumas, fils |
Produced by | Irving Thalberg Bernard H. Hyman |
Starring | Greta Garbo Robert Taylor Lionel Barrymore |
Cinematography | William H. Daniels Karl Freund |
Edited by | Margaret Booth |
Music by | Herbert Stothart Edward Ward |
Distributed by | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
Release date | December 12, 1936 |
Running time | 109 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $1,486,000[1][2] |
Box office | $2,842,000[2] |
Camille (1936) is an American romantic drama film from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer directed by George Cukor and produced by Irving Thalberg and Bernard H. Hyman, from a screenplay by James Hilton, Zoë Akins and Frances Marion.[3] The picture is based on the 1848 novel and 1852 play La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas, fils. The film stars Greta Garbo, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, Jessie Ralph, Henry Daniell, and Laura Hope Crews. It grossed $2,842,000.[1]
The film inspired Milton Benjamin to write and publish a song called "I'll Love Like Robert Taylor, Be My Greta Garbo". Camille was included in Time Magazine's All-Time 100 Movies in 2005.[4] It was also included at #33 in AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions.
Plot
The film tells of Marguerite Gautier (Greta Garbo). She's born into a lower-class family, but in time becomes well known, living in high society in Paris.
Marguerite's finances are covered by the wealthy Baron de Varville (Henry Daniell), but after many years of making money from her looks, she falls in love with Armand (Robert Taylor), a handsome young man.
Armand loves Marguerite and she's prepared to give up the Baron and be with Armand.
However, Armand's father (Lionel Barrymore) begs Marguerite to turn away from his son, knowing her past will ruin his future in Paris.
Realizing the painful wisdom of his advice, Marguerite rejects Armand, who continues to pursue her even as she contracts a serious case of tuberculosis. The film ends with Marguerite's tragic death in the arms of her suitor Armand, who has been much changed over the course of the film.
Cast
- Greta Garbo as Marguerite Gautier
- Robert Taylor as Armand Duval
- Lionel Barrymore as Monsieur Duval
- Elizabeth Allan as Nichette, the Bride
- Jessie Ralph as Nanine, Marguerite's Maid
- Henry Daniell as Baron de Varville
- Lenore Ulric as Olympe
- Laura Hope Crews as Prudence Duvernoy
- Rex O'Malley as Gaston
- Mariska Aldrich as Friend of Camille
- Wilson Benge as Attendant
Awards
Won
- New York Film Critics Circle Awards: NYFCC Award; Best Actress, Greta Garbo; 1937.
Nomination
- Academy Awards: Oscar; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Greta Garbo; 1937.
Reception
Commercial
According to MGM records the film earned $1,154,000 in the US and Canada and $1,688,000 elsewhere resulting in a profit of $388,000.[2]
Critical
Camille has been well received by critics since its release and the role of Marguerite is generally regarded as Greta Garbo's finest screen performance. Camille is often named as a highlight among 1936 films. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports 91% approval among 11 critics.[5]
Use in Annie
Portions of the film, including the final scene, are featured in the 1982 musical film Annie after the number "Let's Go to the Movies". The final scene is also alluded to in the lyrics of the song: "Greta Garbo is probably crying/While Robert Taylor is locked in her dying embrace." Margaret Booth (1898–2002) was the editor for Camille and also the supervising editor for Annie 45 years later.