Grand Hotel (1932)

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The lives of tenants at a Berlin hotel interconnect over the course of one day in Grand Hotel, based on the novel by Vicki Baum and produced by the famed Irving Thalberg. With Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Jean Hersholt, Wallace Beery, and the Barrymores (John and Lionel), this Best Picture Oscar-winner is regarded the grandfather of star-studded showcases. Despite the star power, the performances are mostly over-the-top and border-line annoying. Garbo (uttering her famous line, “I want to be alone”) is too aloof and Lionel Barrymore goes way too far with his whiny drunkard character. Crawford’s character is more down to earth, and Wallace Beery does a good job as the antagonist of the group.

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