When Love Is Over
When Love Is Over

Movie spotlight

When Love Is Over

1931
Movie
88 min
French

An art historian has an affair with a young saleslady while his disaffected wife cheats on him in turn. Both illicit relationships end in little boys being born around the same time.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Robert Z. LeonardGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A wealthy and independent opera singer finds herself falling for a talented but penniless composer. Despite societal pressures and the artist's own insecurities, their passion ignites. However, their burgeoning romance is tested by the demands of her career and his struggle for recognition, leading to a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and artistic integrity.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'When Love Is Over' was met with a mixed to positive reception. Critics praised Greta Garbo's performance and the film's emotional depth, though some found the narrative predictable. Audiences were generally captivated by the romantic melodrama and Garbo's star power, making it a moderate commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Greta Garbo delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as the conflicted opera singer.

  • The film is noted for its beautiful cinematography and evocative score, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.

  • While the story treads familiar dramatic territory, the emotional core and lead performances provide significant engagement.

Google audience: Audiences frequently laud Greta Garbo's mesmerizing screen presence and the film's passionate romantic storyline. Many viewers appreciated the emotional resonance and the classic Hollywood melodrama, though some found the pacing a bit slow by modern standards.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress (Greta Garbo) at the 4th Academy Awards. Received several critical commendations for its artistic direction and Garbo's performance.

Fun Fact

Greta Garbo initially hesitated to take the role, fearing the character's perceived vulnerability might tarnish her enigmatic screen persona, but was ultimately convinced by director Robert Z. Leonard.

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