Torrent (1926)

Set in Spain, the aristocratic mother (Matha Mattox) of a young man (Ricardo Cortez) is against his marrying a peasant girl (Greta Garbo). Heartbroken, the girl leaves for Paris. The years pass and she has become an internationally famous opera diva and he has become a local politician. When she returns home, the passion between them is still there although he is committed to another woman (Gertrude Olmstead). Based on the novel ENTRE NARANJOS  by Vicente Blasco Ibanez (BLOOD AND SAND) and directed by Monta Bell (LIGHTS OF OLD BROADWAY). Although Cortez gets top billing, this is Garbo's picture all the way. It's very well done and I enjoyed it immensely. Still, I didn't have much empathy for Cortez's mama's boy. You meet the love of your life but because mommy objects, you let her go? I don't get it. By the film's end, everyone accepts the hand that fate has dealt them even if it's bitter. This was Garbo's first Hollywood film after being imported from Sweden by MGM. It was a roaring success and Garbo became one of MGM's top stars until her retirement in 1941. The transfer I saw had an excellent score by Arthur Barrow. With Edward Connelly and Lucy Beaumont.