christopher-underwood Watching this last night, I was rather surprised to discover that I had never seen it before and also that it is really rather good. I know everybody says it is but I rather expected it to creak a bit, overstay its welcome, be a little too stagey but it is fine. Helped enormously by Joan Crawford who puts in the most sparkling performance and helps get the film off to a roaring start. I found the introduction of Greta Garbo less convincing but gradually warmed to her as she mellowed from the overwrought prima donna to love struck beauty. The Barrymore's, Lionel and John are fantastic and together with the rest of the cast help to keep this ever interesting and amusing film together. The script is perfect and well shared out amongst the fine array of talent, again helping to keep an even flow so that unlike other films of this period there is no plodding centre section and the ending is so sudden and splendid, one is inevitably left with a smile on the face. I can see myself watching this again.

George Wright When I watched this movie set in Berlin in 1932, I immediately thought of the previous war and the coming war and the depression the world was going through. Certainly there are references to the events of the day but mostly, this movie is a set of stories about a group of people together at a particular point in time. The idea goes back to the Canterbury Tales and is reflected again in classics like John Steinbeck's Wayward Bus. In the cinema, we also see it in the movie Ship of Fools directed by Stanley Kramer. The stories here are generally sad, with conflicted characters in search of love, money, power or in one case, a onetime fling with happiness before death. The movie has a superb script and a cast of characters played by some of the great actors of the time: two of the Barrymores, Lionel and John, Greta Garbo, Wallace Beery, Joan Crawford, Lewis Stone. The overhead shots of the circular balcony levels in the interior of the building are stunning. The characters are a commentary on human society. A luxury hotel with impeccable service does not mean everyone inside is content, much less living in the lap of happiness. I couldn't take my eyes away from this two hour long movie with its various vignettes. It was riveting but I could also imagine myself out for an evening's entertainment in my best attire just like an audience in1932; 85 years later, the movie is still great viewing.

TheLittleSongbird Known as the film to win Best Picture but receiving no other Oscar nominations and as the first all-star film to many, 'Grand Hotel' still holds up as very impressive with a huge amount to admire 85 years later.'Grand Hotel' is not quite a masterpiece, at least to me. It does run a little too long and inevitably for a film adapted from a stage play there are parts that creak whether in pacing or drama (which was not unexpected seeing as it was always a potential trap that numerous early films adapted from stage plays fell into).While Greta Garbo's performance has been criticised for being over-the-top (which is an understandable and valid criticism), again to me there is one actor who overdoes it much more, and pretty painfully too, and that is Wallace Beery. A take or leave it actor and no stranger to hamminess, Beery's bombastic scenery chewing on occasion does threaten to unbalance the film.Even though not a subtle performance in a theatrical role that called for theatricality, it cannot be denied that Garbo's presence here is luminous and impossible to forget and she always had a gift for comedy (as seen in 'Ninotchka'), dignity (as seen in 'Queen Christina') and for pathos (as seen in 'Camille' and 'Anna Karenina').John Barrymore personified suave better than anyone before the likes of George Sanders (this was before his decline where alcoholism did him in and his performances became self-parody), while his brother Lionel is amusing and heart-breaking in a role far removed from his iconic villain Mr Potter from 'It's a Wonderful Life'. It's Joan Crawford at her most subtle, most charming and most sparkling who steals the show however.So essentially, with the exception of Beery, an all-star cast giving fine performances. They are supported by a number of factors, such as the meatiness and density of the characterisations and a script that still sparkles in its wit and sophistication. Edmund Goulding directs with class.Despite the long length, 'Grand Hotel' rarely lags and very nearly always remains interesting, with interconnecting story lines done so deftly and with such colour. 'Grand Hotel' was a visual and technical achievement back then, and to this day still dazzles with its stunning set and some ingenious cinematography that solves all potential scene change problems and allows one to revel in the hotel's glory. The score is just as ravishing.Overall, while not a masterpiece 'Grand Hotel' is still a delight. 8/10 Bethany Cox

SnoopyStyle The Grand Hotel in Berlin is the setting for the interconnected stories of the various characters. Baron Felix von Geigern (John Barrymore) lost his wealth over the years while still maintaining a facade by playing cards and thievery. He tries to steal flamboyant fragile Russian ballerina Grusinskaya (Greta Garbo)'s pearls. He befriends meek bookkeeper Otto Kringelein (Lionel Barrymore) trying to live it up at the hotel. German businessman Preysing (Wallace Beery) is trying to complete an important deal and hires stenographer Flaemmchen (Joan Crawford) although she's looking to be more than a typist. Otto is one of Preysing's insignificant workers who may hold the key to his deal.The stars are out in style in this hotel. Garbo is at her melodramatic best. Joan Crawford is the belle of the ball. The Barrymores are superb. Wallace Beery is his usual brute. I'm sure it was more compelling for its time. Many others have followed the formula of disparate people intermingling at a specific place. This is probably done better than most of its kind at its time. Two hours is a bit too long to keep up the pace.