Queen Christina
Released December 26, 1933
Directed by Rouben Mamoulain
Cast includes Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Ian Keith, Lewis Stone, Elizabeth Young
Christina inherited the Swedish throne in 1632 at the age of six upon the death of her father. She was a complex and intelligent woman who was ahead of her time. She was lesbian and did not care for the Lutheran religion. When she refused to marry and produce an heir, she abdicated the throne at the age of 28.
For the film version, her lesbianism is only hinted at and a male love interest (Gilbert) is introduced and is used as a reason for her abdication (he is the Spanish Ambassador). This is a beautiful film highlighted by lovely lyrical scenes (like the "memorizing the room" scene), wonderful atmosphere and touching score. It was Garbo's first film under a new contract, which gave her script, cast and director approval. Against the studio's objection, she insisted that John Gilbert be her leading man.
"I shall die a bachelor" scene
"Memorizing the room" scene
Next Film: The Painted Veil
Back to Filmography
Directed by Rouben Mamoulain
Cast includes Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Ian Keith, Lewis Stone, Elizabeth Young
Christina inherited the Swedish throne in 1632 at the age of six upon the death of her father. She was a complex and intelligent woman who was ahead of her time. She was lesbian and did not care for the Lutheran religion. When she refused to marry and produce an heir, she abdicated the throne at the age of 28.
For the film version, her lesbianism is only hinted at and a male love interest (Gilbert) is introduced and is used as a reason for her abdication (he is the Spanish Ambassador). This is a beautiful film highlighted by lovely lyrical scenes (like the "memorizing the room" scene), wonderful atmosphere and touching score. It was Garbo's first film under a new contract, which gave her script, cast and director approval. Against the studio's objection, she insisted that John Gilbert be her leading man.
"I shall die a bachelor" scene
"Memorizing the room" scene
Next Film: The Painted Veil
Back to Filmography