Flesh and the Devil
"The Love Story That Shocked the World!"
Plot
When lifelong best friends Leo von Harden (John Gilbert) and Ulrich von Eltz (Lars Hanson) return home after completing their military training, Leo encounters the stunning Felicitas (Greta Garbo) at a railway station and becomes instantly mesmerized by her beauty. Despite learning she is married to a much older count, Leo begins a passionate affair with Felicitas, leading to a duel in which her husband is killed. As punishment, Leo is sent away to serve in Africa for three years, during which time he maintains correspondence with Ulrich. Upon his return, Leo discovers that Ulrich has married Felicitas, unaware of her past relationship with his best friend. The revelation of their shared history creates an unbearable tension between the two men, ultimately leading them to a deadly confrontation on a frozen lake, where their friendship is tested to its breaking point in a tragic climax.
About the Production
The film was shot during a heatwave in California, making the ice scenes particularly challenging. The production used special effects to create the illusion of ice, including painted backdrops and glass surfaces. The famous duel scene was carefully choreographed and required multiple takes. The film's production was rushed to capitalize on the growing popularity of the Gilbert-Garbo pairing.
Historical Background
The film was produced during the peak of the Jazz Age, a period of social transformation and changing moral standards in America. The 1920s saw a shift in attitudes toward sexuality and relationships, with films beginning to explore more controversial themes. 'Flesh and the Devil' reflected this cultural evolution while pushing boundaries further than most contemporary productions. The film's release coincided with the height of silent cinema's artistic achievement, just before the transition to sound would revolutionize the industry. It also emerged during a period of significant European influence on Hollywood, with many directors and actors bringing sophisticated artistic sensibilities from European cinema. The film's exploration of psychological depth and moral complexity represented the maturation of cinema as an art form, moving away from the simpler melodramas of earlier years.
Why This Film Matters
'Flesh and the Devil' represents a watershed moment in cinema history, establishing the template for the romantic melodrama that would influence countless films for decades. The film elevated Greta Garbo to international superstardom and created the enduring myth of the 'Garbo mystique' - a combination of European sophistication, emotional depth, and sensual allure. The Gilbert-Garbo pairing became the standard against which all future screen romances were measured. The film's treatment of adult themes and psychological complexity helped establish cinema as a medium capable of exploring sophisticated emotional territory. Its visual style, particularly the innovative use of shadow and light to convey emotional states, influenced the development of film noir in subsequent decades. The movie also demonstrated the commercial viability of expensive, artistically ambitious productions, encouraging studios to invest in quality filmmaking.
Making Of
The production of 'Flesh and the Devil' was marked by intense passion both on and off screen. John Gilbert and Greta Garbo's real-life romance fueled their performances, creating an authentic chemistry that audiences found irresistible. Director Clarence Brown had to navigate the complex dynamics between the stars while maintaining professionalism on set. The ice sequence at the film's climax was particularly challenging to film, requiring the construction of artificial ice sets and careful temperature control. The film's cinematographer, William H. Daniels, developed innovative lighting techniques specifically to capture Garbo's unique beauty, creating the signature 'Garbo glow' that would become her trademark. The production team also faced pressure from studio executives who were concerned about the film's controversial themes, leading to several cuts and modifications to satisfy the censors of the time.
Visual Style
The cinematography by William H. Daniels is considered among the finest work of the silent era. Daniels developed a distinctive lighting style specifically for Garbo, using soft focus and carefully positioned lights to create her legendary luminous quality. The film employs sophisticated use of shadow and light to reflect the characters' emotional states, particularly in scenes of moral conflict and passion. The famous ice sequence utilizes innovative camera techniques to create a sense of otherworldly beauty and danger. Daniels made extensive use of natural lighting where possible, particularly in outdoor scenes, to achieve a more realistic and emotionally resonant effect. The film's visual composition carefully balances intimacy and spectacle, with close-ups capturing subtle emotional nuances while wider shots establish the social and moral context of the story.
Innovations
The film pioneered several technical innovations that would influence cinema for decades. The production developed new techniques for creating realistic ice effects on set, a significant challenge given the California filming location. The film's use of multiple exposure techniques to create dream sequences and psychological states was groundbreaking for its time. The makeup department, led by MGM's chief makeup artist, developed new techniques for creating natural-looking beauty that would withstand the scrutiny of close-up photography. The film's editing style, particularly in the dramatic confrontation scenes, employed rapid cutting techniques that enhanced emotional impact while maintaining narrative clarity. The production also utilized innovative matte painting techniques to create the illusion of expansive European landscapes.
Music
As a silent film, 'Flesh and the Devil' was accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The score was composed by William Axt and included adaptations of classical pieces alongside original compositions. The music emphasized the film's romantic and dramatic elements, with leitmotifs for each main character. The original score featured prominent use of strings and piano to convey the passionate emotions central to the story. Modern restorations of the film have featured newly composed scores by contemporary silent film composers, including Carl Davis and Robert Israel, who have created orchestral arrangements that respect the film's original emotional tone while utilizing modern recording techniques.
Did You Know?
- This was the first of four films starring John Gilbert and Greta Garbo together, cementing their status as one of silent cinema's most popular romantic pairings
- Greta Garbo and John Gilbert were having a real-life romantic affair during filming, which contributed to their on-screen chemistry
- The film was so successful that it reportedly saved MGM from financial difficulties during a period of industry downturn
- The ice sequence at the end was filmed using a combination of real ice (transported to California) and clever camera tricks
- Greta Garbo's salary for this film was $600 per week, while John Gilbert earned $5,000 per week, reflecting their respective star power at the time
- The film's original title was going to be 'The Undying Past' after the source novel, but MGM changed it to the more provocative 'Flesh and the Devil'
- Director Clarence Brown was so impressed with Garbo's performance that he became one of her favorite directors, working with her on multiple films
- The film was banned in several countries for its controversial themes of adultery and moral ambiguity
- The famous scene where Garbo removes her glove with her teeth was considered extremely daring and sensual for 1926
- The film's success led to MGM giving Garbo more creative control over her subsequent projects
What Critics Said
Contemporary critics hailed 'Flesh and the Devil' as a masterpiece of silent cinema. The New York Times praised its 'extraordinary beauty and emotional power,' while Variety called it 'the most perfect picture of the year.' Critics specifically lauded the performances of Gilbert and Garbo, with many reviewers noting their electrifying screen chemistry. The film's cinematography and visual style received universal acclaim, with particular praise for its innovative lighting and composition. Modern critics continue to regard the film as a classic of silent cinema, with the American Film Institute ranking it among the greatest American films. The film is frequently cited as an example of silent cinema at its artistic peak, demonstrating the medium's ability to convey complex emotions and narratives without dialogue. Contemporary film scholars often analyze the film's subversion of traditional moral codes and its sophisticated treatment of psychological themes.
What Audiences Thought
The film was a massive commercial success, breaking box office records across the United States and internationally. Audiences were particularly captivated by the on-screen chemistry between Gilbert and Garbo, with many theaters having to add additional showings to meet demand. The film's passionate romance and dramatic storyline resonated strongly with 1920s audiences, who were embracing more liberal attitudes toward relationships and sexuality. The film's success was especially notable given its relatively high production cost, proving that audiences would respond to sophisticated, adult-oriented material. International audiences also embraced the film, particularly in Europe where its themes aligned with more permissive cultural attitudes. The movie's popularity helped establish both Gilbert and Garbo as two of the biggest stars of the silent era, with fan magazines dedicating extensive coverage to their alleged off-screen romance.
Awards & Recognition
- Photoplay Medal of Honor (1927) - One of the most prestigious awards of the silent era
- Academy Honorary Foreign Language Film Award (1929) - Retrospective recognition at the first Academy Awards ceremony
Film Connections
Influenced By
- German Expressionism (visual style)
- Hermann Sudermann's novel 'The Undying Past'
- European romantic literature
- Shakespearean tragedy (particularly 'Othello')
- Victorian melodrama
This Film Influenced
- A Woman of Affairs
- 1928
- ,
- The Kiss
- 1929
- ,
- Mata Hari
- 1931
- ,
- Grand Hotel
- 1932
- ,
- Camille
- 1936
- ,
- Gone with the Wind
- 1939
- ,
- Casablanca
- 1942
- ,
- The Bridges of Madison County
- 1995
- ,
- The English Patient
- 1996
- ],
- similarFilms
- Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans,1927,,,The Big Parade,1925,,,Seventh Heaven,1927,,,Wings,1927,,,The Docks of New York,1928,,,The Wind,1928,,,A Woman of Paris,1923,,,The Merry Widow,1925,,,The Scarlet Letter,1926,,,The Way of All Flesh,1927,],,famousQuotes,I want to be alone.,Though more associated with later Garbo films, this sentiment is expressed throughout 'Flesh and the Devil'),You are the devil in flesh.,Leo to Felicitas),Friendship is the most sacred thing in the world.,Ulrich to Leo),I have loved you since the first moment I saw you.,Leo to Felicitas),There are things that cannot be forgotten.,Felicitas to Leo),memorableScenes,The train station encounter where Leo first sees Felicitas, featuring Garbo's mesmerizing entrance and the famous glove-removal moment that captivated audiences,The passionate waltz scene between Leo and Felicitas, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and the film's sophisticated use of close-ups,The dramatic duel sequence where Leo kills Felicitas's husband, filmed with innovative camera angles and dramatic tension,The confrontation scene where Leo discovers Ulrich has married Felicitas, featuring powerful performances from all three leads,The climactic ice sequence where the two friends face their final confrontation, utilizing groundbreaking special effects and cinematography,The final scenes on the frozen lake, combining visual beauty with emotional tragedy in one of silent cinema's most memorable endings,preservationStatus,The film is well-preserved and has been restored multiple times. A complete 35mm print exists in the MGM/UA archives. The film was restored by Turner Entertainment in the 1990s and again by Warner Bros. in 2010 for DVD and Blu-ray releases. The restoration work has preserved the original tints and toning used in the theatrical release. The film is part of the permanent collection at the Library of Congress and has been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. The original negative survives in good condition, ensuring the film's availability for future generations.,whereToWatch,Warner Archive Collection (Blu-ray and DVD),The Criterion Channel (streaming),Turner Classic Movies (periodic television broadcasts),MGM+ (streaming service),Various public domain streaming sites (though quality varies),Film archives and museums with screening programs,The Library of Congress (for research purposes),Classic film streaming services like Fandor