Garbo & Gable: Susan Lenox Still Holds Up... Mostly.

Alright, so 'Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise)' is one of those old Hollywood pairings, Greta Garbo and Clark Gable, that you just gotta see. If you dig pre-Code dramas, where things get a little spicy and less buttoned-up, then absolutely, give it a watch today. Anyone who appreciates classic cinema, especially Garbo’s undeniable screen presence, will find a lot to chew on. But if you're not into the intense melodrama or slower pacing of films from the 30s, you might find yourself checking your watch a few times. 🕰️

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) (1931) through its definitive frames.

The story kicks off with Susan, played by Garbo, stuck in a small, suffocating town with a real piece of work for an uncle. The whole arranged marriage thing? Not her jam. She bolts, naturally, and right into the arms of Rodney, played by a very young, very charming Clark Gable. Their first meeting, almost a meet-cute if it weren't for the impending doom, has this real spark. You feel it.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) (1931) through its definitive frames.

It’s a strange kind of love story, this one. Not exactly a walk in the park. Circumstances, as they always do in these films, rip them apart. Then we see Susan making her way in the world. It’s not an easy path. The movie is pretty clear about what kind of "fall" she's having, even if it's done with 1931 sensibilities.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) (1931) through its definitive frames.

Garbo is, well, Garbo. She just has this *thing*. When she looks at the camera, you believe everything. There’s a scene early on, after she’s left Rodney, where she’s in a dingy apartment, and her face just holds so much weariness. It’s not overplayed, just… there. That’s her magic, I think.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) (1931) through its definitive frames.

Gable, on the other hand, is still finding his feet a bit here. He’s handsome, sure, and has that signature smirk starting to develop. But his character, Rodney, feels a little bit like a puppy chasing a ball sometimes. He’s always looking for her, always trying to understand, but often missing the bigger picture of what she’s been through. His earnestness can be a little much. Bless his heart. ❤️

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) (1931) through its definitive frames.

The movie really leans into the idea of fate. Like, every time Susan tries to get back on her feet, something just *happens*. A misunderstanding, a chance encounter that goes wrong. It almost feels like the universe is actively working against her. One scene, she's trying to get a respectable job, and a former acquaintance just *shows up* at the worst possible moment. It's a little convenient, but hey, it’s Hollywood.

There's this moment when she's performing in a circus, as a sort of exotic dancer. The camera lingers on her, not in a cheap way, but to show the public spectacle she’s become. It’s a quick shot, but it tells you so much about how far she’s fallen, or risen, depending on your view. The crowd scenes have this oddly empty feeling, like half the extras wandered off, which makes her isolation feel even sharper.

The pacing, for a good chunk of the middle, is kind of wild. Things move fast, then suddenly slow down for a long, drawn-out conversation or a moment of longing. It’s not always smooth. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters more than it actually does. Some of the dramatic turns feel a little… forced, I guess. Like the writers needed to push her into another tough spot.

And the ending? It’s classic Hollywood, for sure. A big, emotional reunion. Does it *feel* earned after all that? Maybe. You really want these two to finally catch a break. But it’s also a little too neat, after everything. It tidies things up in a way that maybe real life just doesn't. Still, it’s a powerful image, Garbo and Gable, finally together on screen in that way. They really do have an undeniable chemistry, even when the script is a bit clunky.

It’s a fascinating look at the expectations placed on women back then, and how easily a reputation could be shattered. Garbo's performance carries so much of that weight. She really makes you feel for Susan, even when Susan makes questionable choices.

Didja notice?

• The lighting on Garbo’s face is just *chef’s kiss* in practically every close-up. They knew what they had.
• Rodney's constant reappearing act starts to feel a bit like he's stalking her, honestly.
• One of the minor villains, a guy named Burkey, has this really distinctive laugh. You hear it once, you remember it.
• The train station scene feels so grand, even though it's just a backdrop for more heartbreak.
• The dialogue is pretty sharp for the time, not too flowery, which is nice.
• The movie has a surprising amount of appearances by supporting characters who pop up again later. It's a small world.

So, yeah, it’s not perfect. But it’s Garbo. It’s Gable. It’s a snapshot of a different era, and there’s something undeniably compelling about watching it all unfold. Go for the stars, stay for the sometimes-messy journey. ✨