Mata Hari (1931)

During WWI in France, the head (C. Henry Gordon) of the French spy service is determined to expose the exotic dancer Mata Hari (Greta Garbo) as a spy but he needs proof. To this end, he keeps tabs on a Russian General (Lionel Barrymore) who is having an affair with the dancer. But it's a romantic alliance with a handsome pilot (Ramon Novarro) that will be her undoing. There was a real Mata Hari who was executed for espionage in WWI but don't expect any authenticity here. This is pure romanticized hokum. The film is entertaining when it stays with political intrigue but lack of chemistry between Garbo and the wooden Novarro kills any chance of any real passion. A pity since this is a pre-code film and some of the sexual situations are quite blatant. Garbo, however, has never been more movie star goddess-y and she's relaxed and sexy and fun.  A nice change of pace from the intensity of her work in films like CAMILLE, ANNA CHRISTIE or GRAND HOTEL. The film was one of Garbo's biggest hits. Directed by George Fitzmaurice. With Lewis Stone and Karen Morley.