Garbo Talks (1984)

Garbo May Talk...But It's Bancroft Who Shines in This Otherwise Lugubrious Comedy

There is hardly a difference in the approach that the estimable Anne Bancroft takes as the incorrigible Estelle Rolfe in this sentimental 1984 comedy versus what she did three years later as the equally feisty Helene Hanff in David Jones' 84 Charing Cross Road. Somehow, this fine actress can take what may appear to be a caricature on paper and infuse it with her special blend of warmth and moxie to make the characters come alive. Just as it was Helene's love of antiquarian books that drove the story of the later film, it is Esther's adoration of screen legend Greta Garbo that drives this movie. Perpetually jailed for her overzealous liberal activism, Esther discovers she has a malignant brain tumor and asks her son Gilbert to help her fulfill her last wish - to meet Garbo.

The movie focuses on Gilbert's relentless search for the reclusive actress, while confronting his marital problems and developing a burgeoning interest in a struggling actress. As a director hardly known for his deftness with comedy, Sidney Lumet guides this talky venture with a melancholy lugubriousness that makes it feel longer than its 103-minute running time. Written by TV-movie writer Larry Grusin, the story plods along with Gilbert meeting several eccentric characters along the way - a bedraggled paparazzo in pursuit of Garbo for years (Howard Da Silva in his final role), his lunatic cat-lady agent (Broadway veteran Dorothy Loudon), a senile actress who worked with Garbo once (Hermoine Gingold in her final role), and a lonely gay man on the Fire Island ferry (Harvey Fierstein who overplays the tear-jerking aspect of his cameo).

Garbo (who would have been nearly eighty at the time of filming) does finally show up in the story - sort of - from the back and is embodied by legendary Broadway songwriter Betty Comden. This gives rise to a nicely performed monologue scene with Bancroft. There is another good one with Steven Hill, who plays Estelle's frustrated ex-husband. It would have been absurd to expect the real Garbo to show up, but one can't help but have a glimmer of hope throughout that it could have happened. Ron Silver plays Gilbert sympathetically if rather too glumly to maintain interest in his character's plight. As the aspiring actress, Catherine Hicks (7th Heaven) pops in and out of the story to twinkle and inspire Gilbert. Just finished with the Star Wars trilogy, Carrie Fisher effectively plays an entirely different princess as Gilbert's wife Lisa, the Long Island variety by way of California. The 2004 DVD offers no extras. August 26, 2008

Silver and Bancroft - bravi

"Garbo Talks" has to be one of the finest yet unheralded films in the
Sidney Lumet movie canon. Ron Silver gives an extraordinary performance
as a dutiful son who, in attempting to find Greta Garbo to meet his dying
mother (Anne Bancroft) learns some life lessons about how compassion pays
off. Nice guys don't finish last! Great support by Carrie Fisher,
Catherine Hicks, Howard DaSilva, Hermione Gingold, Dorothy Loudon, and
Richard Schuul-all buoyed by the phenomenal performance by Bancroft as
a caring mother with a streak of raunchy humor. Both Silver and Bancroft
should have won Best Actor and Actress Oscars respectively! June 18, 2007

Great Movie

I first saw this wonderful movie on cable, recorded it and have watched it many times over the years. Anne Bancroft is great, as always. My favorite scene is where she confronts a group of construction workers because they are catcalling the women who pass the construction site. Very funny. Highly recommended! January 6, 2007

One of My Favorites

I love 'character study' movies with originality, charm, and quirkiness. I also appreciate movies that feature women in truly interesting roles. 'Garbo Talks' fits the bill. Anne Bancroft is the centerpiece of the film and gives a memorable performance of a one-of-a-kind woman whose dying wish is to meet her idol, the elusive Greta Garbo. Terrific supporting cast, especially Ron Silver as her devoted son who tries to make her wish come true and Steven Hill as her ex-husband. A gem of a film! December 9, 2006

A Classic Film!

This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen and why it is not available on DVD in Region 1 is beyond me! For anyone who loves movies, the premise of a young man searching for Garbo so he can fulfil his ill mother's(Bancroft) last wish to meet her screen idol is sentimental and funny. The principal players Anne Bancroft, Ron Silver and Carrie Fisher are perfection! If you have the chance to see this film please do...you will laugh out loud! And one final note to MGM - get this out on DVD please! July 9, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...