Garbo (2005)

An original documentary from Turner Classic Movies, Garbo offers an intimate look at the life and career of the movies' most luminous, reclusive and mystifying star. A portrait of Garbo the woman is drawn through interviews with biographers and admirers, plus many of the friends, relatives and associates who came closest to penetrating the lonely star's veil of solitude. Her career is illustrated by clips from all her movies, ranging from her early film work in Sweden to such Hollywood triumphs as Anna Christie, Grand Hotel, Camille, Ninotchka and her swan song in 1941's Two-Faced Woman.

Among those offering analysis and reminiscences are biographers Barry Paris, Mark Vieira and Karen Swanson; actor/playwright/fan Charles Busch; Garbo's niece and great-nephews' and axquaintances Gore Vidal, Gavin Lambert, Jack Larson and Sam Gree, who was Garbo's confidate and walking companion for 20 years. Archival interviews include those with childhood friend Mimi Pollak, author Adela Rogers St. Johns and director Clarence Brown, who recalls Garbo as simply "a great gal -- the greatest."