Mata Hari

(George Fitzmaurice, US 1931, 89 min., 35mm)

There is perhaps no spy as glamorous as Greta Garbo in Mata Hari. Dressed in bejeweled gowns and sparkling capes, and even in nothing but lace and orchids, she proves to be both provocative and brilliant in her role of exotic dancer turned double agent in the thralls of World War II. Ramon Novarro plays the smitten Russian officer who is dominated swiftly by her intelligence and power, and later gently redeemed by her love. Lionel Barrymore portrays the snubbed army-general lover, as well as a pawn from which Mata steals her information. Also, in the part that seems to consistently suit him most, Lewis Stone makes an appearance as a sort of father figure and pimp for Mata. The film itself is beautiful, the costumes, designed by famed MGM costumer Adrian, almost stealing the show with their sparkle.