Anna Christie (BLU-RAY)
US Import
When it was learned that Greta Garbo, was cast as a disillusioned prostitute in Anna Christie, even her most devoted admirers were skeptical. Not only was it an unglamourous role for the 24-year-old actress, but it was also to be her first talking picture. Garbo's answer was to play it with superbly. With her first, and now famous spoken line ("Gimme a whiskey, ginger ale on the side. And don't be stingy baby") Garbo conquered the world of sound films.. Based on Eugene O'Neill's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Garbo give a fascinating performance as an embittered prostitute who returns home to her father, a barge captain. She finds sympathy in the gruff, but kindly Marthy (Marie Dressler), but when a sailor (Charles Bickford) falls in love with Anna, she is forced to reveal her tarnished past to both him and her father, leading to a riveting climax. Among the Special Features on this new Warner Archive Blu-ray disc is the German-language version of the scenario, starring Garbo with a different cast and director. Filmed on the same sets after the original English version was completed, this alternate version is a uniquely different take of the source material, one which Garbo allegedly preferred to the more-widely-known English language version.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM PRESERVATION ELEMENTS (2023)
- 1930 German Language version directed by Jacques Feyder starring Garbo (HD)
- M-G-M Parade television episode #30 with Walter Pidgeon on Greta Garbo's career
- Classic Warner Bros. cartoon "THE BOOZE HANGS HIGH" (HD)
- Audio-only Lux Radio Theater (2/7/1938) ANNA CHRISTIE broadcast with Joan Crawford and Spencer Tracy
- Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature