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Inspiration is a 1931 American Pre-Code Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film adapted from the Alphonse Daudet short novel Sappho (1884). The film was adapted by Gene Markey, directed by Clarence Brown and produced by Irving Thalberg. The cinematography was by William H. Daniels, the art direction by Cedric Gibbons and the costume design by Adrian.
The film features Greta Garbo playing Yvonne Valbret, an artist's model and kept woman. Robert Montgomery, Lewis Stone and Marjorie Rambeau co-starred. The film is a romantic melodrama that portrays a Parisian belle whose past returns to haunt her. (Inspiration is the only film in which Garbo played opposite Montgomery.)
According to the critics, Garbo played her role easily and convincingly, contributing sparkling bits of light comedy, and making the awkward dialogue believable. She illuminates every scene, shining in her different styles of coiffure and striking costumes.
Original Release
01/31/1931
US Release
01/31/1931
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Greta Garbo | Yvonne Valbret |
Robert Montgomery | André Montell |
Lewis Stone | Raymond Delval |
Marjorie Rambeau | Lulu |
Judith Vosselli | Odette |
Beryl Mercer | Marthe, Yvonne's Maid |
John Miljan | Henry Coutant, the Sculptor |
Edwin Maxwell | Uncle Julian Montell |
Oscar Apfel | M. Vignaud |
Joan Marsh | Madeleine Dorety |
Directors
Writers
Gene Markey, Alphonse Daudet, James Forbes
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Greta Garbo | Yvonne Valbret |
Robert Montgomery | André Montell |
Lewis Stone | Raymond Delval |
Marjorie Rambeau | Lulu |
Judith Vosselli | Odette |
Beryl Mercer | Marthe, Yvonne's Maid |
John Miljan | Henry Coutant, the Sculptor |
Edwin Maxwell | Uncle Julian Montell |
Oscar Apfel | M. Vignaud |
Joan Marsh | Madeleine Dorety |
Zelda Sears | Aunt Pauline |
Karen Morley | Liane Latour |
Gwen Lee | Gaby |
Paul McAllister | Jouvet, the Artist |
Arthur Hoyt | Gavarni |
Richard Tucker | Galand, the Writer |
Clara Blandick | Madeleine's Mother |
Sidney Bracey | Waiter with Coffee and Cream Pitchers |
George Irving | Madeleine's Father |
Fletcher Norton | Masher in Sidewalk Cafe |
Producers
Name | Role |
---|
Clarence Brown | Producer |
Irving Thalberg | Producer |