STATE LIBRARY NSW-2 June 2024-Flesh and the Devil (1926)

Greta Garbo silent romantic drama with soundtrack, 112 minutes.

Tickets: $25/$20

General seating - not reserved or numbered

(T 0419 267 318)

“The late 1920s boasted some of the silent era’s most beautiful and unforgettable films, and Flesh and the Devil is one of them. A powerful emotional drama with tension and suspense, it tells the story of two men in the Austrian army at the turn of last century who enjoy a close and loyal friendship since childhood. Along comes Garbo in her classic screen persona of the seductive woman who threatens to destroy the strong bond between the two friends. At a time when immorality was a gross sin to church-going citizens, and men of honour fought duels to the death, Garbo is thoroughly convincing as the temptress whom a Pastor described as the Devil in the guise of a beautiful woman who brings men to ruin.

Of special interest is the brief but poignant appearance of Australian actor, Marc McDermott as Garbo’s first ill-fated husband in this film.

A box office smash and the critics cheered with comments such as, ”….Flesh and the Devil is an experience for the senses, a film that motivates an audience to let go of logic….it affords the modern moviegoer an opportunity to surrender to a world that never really existed, but that nevertheless offers something very real: the heat between two amazing people, and the quiet glamour that only silent film could create.”

Director, Clarence Brown, wrote that they were not just making films in the silent era but myths to endure and enchant. This film provides strong evidence for such a view.