On January 20, 1925, Greta received a telegram from Stiller. He told her  the news that it is impossible to go on with the film. Stiller wanted her to pack his things and that she takes care about her visa. He let her know that he  will send money to the Swedish consulate.

Stiller send her the money he got from the Pabst/Sofar-Film. Sofa-Film produced Die Freudlose Gasse and bought Greta's contract. Now Greta and Einar Hansson could travel back. Great was shocked when she heard that they will not make the film anymore.

Greta, early 1925

Back in Berlin

Greta arrived in Berlin on January 23. In the next week she met with Pabst and his producers. They talked about her role in Die freudlose Gasse.

She signed her contract for the film Stiller already negotiated the money details before she arrived. The film was going  to be shot between Feb.12 and Mar. 26, 1925.

Garbo's contract for Die freudlose Gasse

Her first contract with MGM

In early April, Greta returned to Stockholm. She hasn't seen her family since 4 month. Her friends and family were surprised. Greta transformed into a new woman.

She was better dressed, looked smart  but was looking tired. Greta want to talk about her work.

Germany or America?

May 1925

Premiere

June 1925

Going to America

Stiller, finally booked passage to New York. On June 20, Greta filed a letter of intent at the American Embassy in Stockholm. It stated that she was going to America for three months.

She met her friends and family in the Stockholmer Grand Hotel. They had a dinner and talked about America. It was a very strange feeling for Greta. She did not know how it would turn out.

On June 25, she boarded the train to Göteborg. Her mother Anna, brother Sven and sister Alva, accompanied her to the Central Station. The following day Stiller and Garbo boarded the Swedish-American liner Drottningholm. Greta was brave and only said “I'll be back in one year. It is only twelve months.” And then she was gone.

July 5, The ship arrived in New York. They went from the ship and were surprised that n one was there to welcome them. Only one reporter was there. Hubert Voight, a publicist who was assigned to meet them. Voight notified all of the daily papers of Stiller's and Garbo's arrival. But no one seemed to care. Stiller and Garbo than went to the Hotel Commodore.

 
Garbo and Mauritz Stiller in New York.

On the way there, Greta was so impressed when she saw the big buildings. It was a very hot summer in New York. Greta took many cold baths in her hotel room. Reporter Hubert Voight became her guide to t New York City. Kaj Gynt was their interpreter who went along with them. Her first wish was to go to Coney Island and find “the most exciting and horrible roller coaster.”

MGM office

In early July 1925, Stiller had a meeting at  the Metro office. Stiller went on to work out details of Greta's contract with MGM. The clever director negotiated a shorter contract for her. Instead of five years to three years. Stiller also wanted more money for Garbo.

MGM didn't show much interest in Greta and Stiller, since they arrived in America. It seemed that Greta was extremely concerned about her status at MGM. But this constant struggle about her contract made MGM feel a bit insecure. They knew that they could take care of Greta but Stiller was harder.

He worked to re-create an environment similar to what he was accustomed to in Europe. MGM fought against his efforts and wanted to “break” him in order to fit him into their accepted work mode. But Stiller was never to bend.

Arnold Genthe

One evening in early July, Stiller and Greta were had dinner with photographer Arnold Genthe. Genthe was struck by Garbo's youth and charm during their first meeting. He immediately wanted to make pictures of her. At first, Garbo wasn't sure but than she agreed.

 
By Arnold Genthe, July 27, 1925.

The results were breathtaking. In mid July, Garbo went back to A. Genthe's studio to say goodbye to him. She had the feeling that they don't like her “here” and that she wanted to go home now. Than Genthe suggested her to send copies of his photographs to MGM.

Weingarten's Department Store

Garbo who thought that they don't like her in America. MGM seemed not interested since she came to the USA. She was very unhappy about her status and wanted to go home.

By August 1925, director and friend of Stiller, Victor Sjöström delivered the Genthe pictures to Mayer. It is said that Mayer didn't recognize the woman in the pictures as the actress he had signed in Berlin. the studio heard about the extraordinary success, Die freudlose Gasse, had in Paris.

Finally on August 26, she went with Kaj Gynt to the New Yorker MGM office and signed  her contract. Garbo's  new contract was for a shorter term but no additional money. Some time later, the sent a copy of her new contract to Stockholm to be ratified by her mother. Garbo re-signed the contract on her twentieth birthday on September 18.

Her last days in New York

Stiller and Garbo arrived in Los Angeles on September 10, 1926. When they alighted from the train, many Scandinavian friends welcomed the couple. The brought bouquets of flowers along with the speeches and hugs. She told journalists she was happy to be there and complimented the American people on their high spirits. Stiller and Garbo lived in a suite at the Biltmore Hotel.

 
Stiller and Garbo arrived in Los Angeles

Soon after, Garbo and Stiller were brought to Louis B. Mayer's office. They also were  introduced to Irving Thalberg and his partners.

New Look for Garbo

When Thalberg first saw Garbo he wasn't impressed. He couldn't see why she was called the most beautiful actress of Sweden.

Garbo made new photos and Greta filled out a questionnaire for MGM's publicity department. Than MGM started in changing her look, before appearing in her first screen test. Greta allowed her permed hair to be modified to a softer, more attractive style. A small blemish was removed from her hairline and her teeth were capped.

Greta's next film

Stiller was searching for the perfect script for Greta's first American film. He had Odalisken från Smolna translated into English and wanted to direct this film in America as Garbo's debut.

But MGM didn't like it, so the proposal had to be dropped.

MGM Screen-test

Garbo also made her first American screen-test. Cameraman William Daniels did the first test with Garbo but it was not a success. MGM wasn't impressed and may even lost interred in her again.

Maybe due of Stiller's perseverance, Garbo was given a second test. Legendary actress Lilian Gish, who has met Garbo, had an idea for her second test. She suggested to a test with cinematographer Sartov. This test, directed by Stiller personally, was a full success.

Director Monte Bell was preparing his next movie The Torrent. He mad a male lead but still no female lead. Norma Shearer was offered the part but she declined.

One day, Bell was in a screening room viewing newsreel footage. Than he saw the Stiller directed Garbo test. He immediately offered her a role in Ibáñez's The Torrent.

Stiller not assigned to direct

Stiller and Greta hoped on working together in her first American film. Garbo didn't like the idea, when she heard that MGM want her to appear in the Monta Bell film.

She hoped that Stiller will direct her in her USA debut. But it was a big production, important for Greta and Stiller urged her to accept the part. Garbo accepted even if both were disappointed.

Mayer calls Greta

Greta was called to Mayer's office. The mogul tried several times to get her to sign a longer contract. Instead of the three years contract, he wanted her to sign a five years deal.

Mayer said he couldn't afford to advertise my pictures and put money into me if I would not sign. But Greta remained resolute. She told him that they should wait until she finally made one picture.

In early November, young actor Sven-Hugo Borg was assigned as an interpreter for Greta. His salary was small  but he hoped that this will bring  himself notice of studio officials. Garbo and Borg became friends.

Pre-Production

On November 14, Garbo had her makeup and wardrobe tests. She also allowed a stylist to dye her hair black. A color more befitting a Spanish diva. The set was heavy under construction.

All was in confusion. Carpenters, electricians, painters, etc., were working on the set. Greta stood clinging to Stiller's arm like a frightened.

 
Garbo's new look

Filming Torrent

Principal photography, began on November 1927. Garbo was scared and nervous. Stiller's influence had not yet given Garbo the self-confidence to stand alone.

He stood by her side and coached her. The quick pace of American productions was strange for Garbo. Production on The Torrent was scheduled over a four-week period. Camera man William Daniels was assigned too.

Garbo on Torrent set

Ricardo Cortez

Her co-star was the 26 year old Viennese Jew Ricardo Cortez. He had been working on films non-stop for four years and was considered a threat to Valentino.

Cortez believed that Torrent was HIS film and he resented Greta from the beginning. He felt himself a great star who must work with this ‘dumb' Swede. On the set or off, he gave Garbo not the slightest notice. He decided that Garbo was a nonentity and treated her as such.

Garbo and Cortez

Monta Bell

Each new day of Garbo footage, that Thalberg and Mayer saw, was more impressive. Mayer called her to his office once again. He told her that he couldn't afford to advertise her pictures and put money into her. Mayer made some pressure on her. He still wanted her to sign a 5 years contract.

But Garbo tried to explain that she was satisfied. She didn't want any changes until the film is finished. Mayer told her that they are spending much money on her and that she should co-operate. Greta said that it could be cheaper to make a good movie.

Stiller assigned to direct Garbo

On December 1, MGM announced Mauritz Stiller's first assignment. Garbo told her interpreter, that she wanted Stiller to direct her next American MGM film. When Borg told Thalberg and Mayer about Greta's wish, they weren't sure and thought awhile about it. Thalberg checked the MGM story department and found another Ibáñez story. MGM already had the film rights, since early 1925.

It was the novel La Tierra de Todos (The Earth Belongs to Everyone). Thalberg cast Garbo as the female lead. Writer Dorothy Farnum, turned it into a good script, called The Temptress.

Greta was overjoyed when she heard the news. Stiller was also very happy about his assignment. No he can show them what Garbo can do.

Filming finished

On January 1926, a number of MGM executives saw a sneak preview of the film. Stiller, Garbo and some of their Swedish friends attended too. Stiller and Garbo were nervous and left before the film ended. Garbo's Swedish friends thought that the picture was a flop and that Garbo was terrible.

MGM was thrilled with the results of the film and especially with Garbo's work. Garbo created something soulful and enchanting out of something quite stale and thin.

Stiller re-writes the script

In the last weeks, Stiller re-wrote the Dorothy Farnum's script for Garbo's next film. Thalberg wasn't impressed with Stiller's work. He put Farnum back on the script and she finished it in mid February.

The Torrent opened in both New York and Los Angeles on February 21. For the first and last time, Garbo attended the premiere of one of her films.

The critics were pleased too and were sure that she was going to be a big star. "This girl has everything!", one critic wrote. Greta was the new film vamp and the movie was a hit.

 
Screencaps from The Torrent

What's next?

MGM announced that Greta Garbo will star in her second major MGM production. Her co-star would be Antonio Moreno. MGM knew that Garbo was an explosive new star on the horizon. Both Mayer and Thalberg lobbied heavily with Garbo to sign a new contract.

Mayer called her into his office several times. He was still trying to convince her to sign for an additional two years. Mayer may was worried that Garbo and Stiller could go to another studio.

Greta arrested

One day in spring 1926, C. E. “Teet” Carle got a call from MGM. “Teet” was the director of sports publicity at the University of Southern California. Sports photographer Don Gillum had also been hired to capture a list of contract players. Gillum was known for his new stop-action lens. Someone suggested having Garbo pose with the USC track-and-field team.

 
Garbo with the USC track-and-field team

At first, Garbo resisted the idea initially. MGM than deducted $25 from her salary for refusing. Garbo saw it and asked quickly where she could find a track suit. Teet noted that the young actress seemed to be getting more frightened as the session progressed. He thought that the Greta looked unhappy when they made the “Sporty” pictures.

Leo the Lion

The next week, photographer Gillum took her to Gay's Lion Farm. Greta posed with Jackie the Lion, (known as Leo the Lion) MGM's mascot. She was coaxed into one picture seated in a chair beside the lion. Greta was nervously moved to the farthest edge of the chair.

 
Greta and Jackie the Lion

The Temptress

March 1926

Meeting Lilian Gish

While working with Stiller in Culver City on The Temptress, they regularly visited Victor Sjöström's set. Sjöström was directing Lillian Gish and Lars Hanson in The Scarlet Letter.

Lillian Gish and Garbo had met months earlier during the making of Gish's La Bohème.

 
Garbo, Gish and Sjöström

The American actress was an established star and Garbo was watching her filming her scenes from the sidelines. Gish didn't mind.

Trouble on the Temptress set

April 1926

Stiller and Moreno

As the production proceeded, Metro became more suspicious of his “eccentricity.” The studio lost much confidence when the director was having problems with Garbo's new leading man Antonio Moreno. Stiller's requested to Moreno to shave off his trademark mustache. The whole set was shocked.

 
Antonio Moreno without his trademark mustache.

Filming went on and so went the trouble between Stiller and Moreno. It became more and more difficult for Stiller to concentrate.

Greta's sister dies

On the 21st of April, Greta received perhaps the worst news of her life. Her sister Alva, had died due of cancer. S he was twenty-two years old.

Stiller handed Garbo the letter with the sad News. The director raised his arm and stopped the action. Garbo went to him and looked at the envelope. She read it and started crying.

Alva died, at the age of 22.

After a while she told Stiller to get on filming. They made some more takes but than she was driven to her home. She didn't come to work the following days but the studio wanted her to come back as soon as possible.

MGM send her a message that they feel sorry but the “Show must go on!” Greta was unhappy and even angry. She could not travel home to Sweden.

Out of loyalty to Stiller, she returned to work. Years later, Greta heard that Stiller already got the telegram, informing Alva's death, 24 hours earlier. We will never know the reasons.

Stiller is fired

May 1926

New Director

On, May 3, Fred Niblo stared work as the new director. After many meetings they decided to continue filming with the script as it stood.

Thalberg then decided to scrap and re-write all of Stiller's scenes. He also decided to replace cameramen and actors. New costumes were made and Moreno restored his mustache.

Garbo fell into depression

June/July 1926

Garbo back on the set

August 1926

Garbo and Metro not happy about Temptress

In early August, Garbo and Stiller attended a preview of The Temptress. Stiller wasn't happy to see his scenes re-shot and some time later walked off.

 
Screen-caps from The Temptress

Greta described The Temptress as dreadful! She wasn't happy with her scenes and Metro were unsatisfied too and so they arranged re-shoots and an alternative ending.

A new project

A new project already awaited for Garbo but when Thalberg showed her the script, she rebelled. She didn't like the story and to play another vamp.

Thalberg told her that she would star co-star with John Gilbert. Gilbert was MGM's biggest star. Garbo had seen Gilbert him in  The Big Parade (USA 1925) and liked it.

John Gilbert, American superstar

Thalberg thought Garbo was perfect for the planned film Flesh and the devil. Garbo could not see it . Later she agreed to meet with Mayer.

A talk with "The Chief"

Louis B. Mayer sat behind his desk and Greta looked up from her chair. She shared her feelings with “The Chief” and said: “Mister Mayer, I am dead tired. I am sick. I cannot do another picture right away.” Greta felt she had been given no time to mourn her sister's death and that she was so nervous and anxious right now.

She told him that she was most unhappy with the new role. She did not want to play another bad woman. Mayer was paternal but firm and told her she must return to the studio right away for costume fittings or be considered in breach of contract.

Garbo was heartbroken. She did not understand why Mayer didn't make more of an attempt to make her happy.

Greta wanted to go home

On August 4, Thalberg informed her that she has to appear at his office. He wanted to talk with her about her part in Flesh and the Devil. Garbo did not go.

Five days later filming started without her. Mayer sent Sven-Hugo Borg to visit Garbo. He saw a changed Garbo. It seems she didn't care for anything, she said that she wanted to go home.

Borg told Mayer and Thalberg about it. Mayer was angry about her, he said that an actress does not behave this way. They wondered if she really would break her contract and leave America. On August 13, Mayer again wrote her a message. Garbo again did not reply. Mayer was angry about her.

He was the one who takes all the risks and pays her the salary. He thought that her salary was far below what she is worth.

Mayer told Borg that he can tell her that she can go back where she came from. After Borg told Greta about it, she called her lawyer. But they said that it's better that she should go back to the studio and start working on the film.

Garbo and Gilbert

September 1926

A Romance was going

October 1926

The Temptress premiered

The Temptress premiered at the Capitol Theatre in New York on October 10, 1926. The Temptress was a hit. It broke box-office records and the critics were good as well. Garbo turned into a star.

The Temptress, Filmposter

"Flicka & Yacky"

November 1926

Garbo “strikes”

December 1926

A greedy Swede?

The problem MGM and Garbo had was in the headlines for weeks. It was a hard time for Mayer and Thalberg. Some people thought her brave and others saw her as a greedy Swede holding fistfuls of American dollars.

Garbo was not impressed

All the tactics and tricks MGM used did not impress Garbo. Mayer was getting more upset and angry about her. Soon Mayer and Thalberg learned, that this actress really would have preferred being sent home.

Christmas with John

Greta wrote her Swedish friend Mimi Pollak to help her buy some gifts and Christmas decorations for Gilbert's house. The actor returned to Los Angeles and they both spend Christmas time together.

A better contract with MGM