A semi-fictionalized account of the life of Mata Hari, an exotic dancer who was accused of spying for Germany during World War I.A semi-fictionalized account of the life of Mata Hari, an exotic dancer who was accused of spying for Germany during World War I.A semi-fictionalized account of the life of Mata Hari, an exotic dancer who was accused of spying for Germany during World War I.
Blanche Friderici
- Sister Angelica
- (as Blanche Frederici)
Mischa Auer
- Firing Squad Victim #3
- (uncredited)
William Bailey
- Dubois' Aide
- (uncredited)
Roy Barcroft
- Extra
- (uncredited)
Reginald Barlow
- Prosecutor
- (uncredited)
Frederick Burton
- Major at Executions
- (uncredited)
Harry Cording
- Ivan
- (uncredited)
Cecil Cunningham
- Gambler Selling Ring
- (uncredited)
- Director
- George Fitzmaurice(uncredited)
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis was the third most popular movie at the U.S. box office for 1931.
- GoofsTowards the climax of the film, when Mata Hari confronts General Shubin, she is wearing a ring on her left ring finger. She hurries out of the room, and moments later she encounters Rosanoff. He takes her by the hand, and the ring is no longer there.
- ConnectionsAlternate-language version of Mata Hari: the Red Dancer (1927)
Featured review
Garbo Makes the Role & the Character Her Own
As the notorious "Mata Hari", Greta Garbo makes both the role and the character her own, providing a portrayal that is much deeper and more complex than the historical character probably was. The rest of the cast and production work well enough, but they are mostly there only to provide Garbo the backdrop and the foils that she uses to develop the main character.
The story focuses Mata Hari's liaisons with two Russian officers, an older general played by Lionel Barrymore, and a young aviator played by Ramon Novarro, with an implacable Secret Service man (played by C. Henry Gordon) trying to stop her. Each of the three plays his part well, while allowing Garbo to take the spotlight. Lewis Stone also makes good use of his limited screen time, and Karen Morley has some memorable moments as another spy.
The story probably has little in common with the historical facts, and while the historical character is an interesting one, it seems certain that Garbo's character is more so, combining her obvious appeal with a depth of feeling and a complicated set of priorities, as few other actresses could have done. Designing the story and characters with her in mind works well, making for good drama and one of Garbo's many effective performances.
The story focuses Mata Hari's liaisons with two Russian officers, an older general played by Lionel Barrymore, and a young aviator played by Ramon Novarro, with an implacable Secret Service man (played by C. Henry Gordon) trying to stop her. Each of the three plays his part well, while allowing Garbo to take the spotlight. Lewis Stone also makes good use of his limited screen time, and Karen Morley has some memorable moments as another spy.
The story probably has little in common with the historical facts, and while the historical character is an interesting one, it seems certain that Garbo's character is more so, combining her obvious appeal with a depth of feeling and a complicated set of priorities, as few other actresses could have done. Designing the story and characters with her in mind works well, making for good drama and one of Garbo's many effective performances.
helpful•175
- Snow Leopard
- Mar 29, 2006
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $558,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 29 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.20 : 1
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