Flesh and the Devil (1926)

Director:

Clarence Brown

Writers:

Marian Ainslee (titles)
Benjamin Glazer (writer)
(more)

Release Date:

25 December 1926 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

Leo and Ulrich are life long friends. Home, on leave from their military training, Leo sees the beautiful Felicitas at the railroad station...

Plot Keywords:

Duel | Male Female Relationship | Friendship | Love | Homoeroticism

Awards:

1 win

Cast

John Gilbert	...	Leo von Harden
Greta Garbo	...	Felicitas
Lars Hanson	...	Ulrich von Eltz
Barbara Kent	...	Hertha von Eltz
William Orlamond	...	Uncle Kutowski
George Fawcett	...	Pastor Voss
Eugenie Besserer	...	Leo's Mother
Marc McDermott	...	Count von Rhaden
Marcelle Corday	...	Minna
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Cecilia Parker	...	Siamese twin at ball (uncredited)
Linda Parker	...	Siamese twin at ball (uncredited)
Carl 'Major' Roup	...	Train Station Vendor (uncredited)
Rolfe Sedan	...	Womens' hat salesman (uncredited)

Directed by
Clarence Brown

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Marian Ainslee		titles
Benjamin Glazer		writer (as Benjamin F. Glazer)
Hanns Kräly		uncredited
Frederica Sagor		uncredited
Hermann Sudermann		novel "The Undying Past"

Produced by
Irving Thalberg	....	producer (uncredited)

Cinematography by
William H. Daniels		(as William Daniels)

Film Editing by
Lloyd Nosler

Set Decoration by
Cedric Gibbons		(settings)
Fredric Hope		(settings) (as Frederic Hope)

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Charles Dorian	....	assistant director

Camera and Electrical Department
Buddy Longworth	....	still photographer (uncredited)
Ruth Harriet Louise	....	publicity photographer (uncredited)

Costume and Wardrobe Department
André-ani	....	wardrobe

Production Companies

• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Distributors

• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) (video)

Runtime:

UK:109 min | USA:113 min (Turner library print)

Country:

USA

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Silent

Certification:

UK:PG

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

According to Barry Paris's commentary on the 2005 DVD release, Garbo initially refused to do this film, which was scheduled for production immediately following her last picture, and also not long after the death of her sister from cancer. MGM sent her a sternly worded telegram, and she capitulated.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Leo is talking to Felicitas on the bench in the park and tells her that he must go to Africa, the position of the collar of his overcoat repeatedly changes from pulled up to flat.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Indie Sex: Extremes (2007) (TV)

Soundtrack:

ATRA

Divine

I recently watched this movie again after having not seen it in over two years. What was I thinking? I had forgotten what a fantastic movie this was, particularly as I saw it with the Carl Davis composed soundtrack which enhances it even more. It begins in such a lighthearted vein and then transforms into one of the most breathtaking romances ever filmed, the chemistry between Garbo and Gilbert is sizzling hot and Garbo's character has to be one of the biggest bitches in movie history. The photography is stunning and stands up well against anything filmed today, particularly the waltz and the duel. Everyone remembers Garbo and Gilbert in this movie, but, there is a standout performance by Lars Hanson as the innocent and cuckolded Ulrich, once again, as in "The Wind" he wrenches out every last last drop of sympathy for his character with his wonderful acting, he was a true hidden treasure of the silent era. A must see movie.