Queen Christina
Released December 26, 1933
Directed by Rouben Mamoulian.
Cast includes Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Ian
Keith, Lewis Stone, Elizabeth Young
Christina inherited the Swedish throne in 1632 at the age of six upon the death of her father. She was a complex and intelligent woman who was way ahead of her time. She was lesbian and did not care for the Lutheran religion. When she refused to marry and produce an heir, she abdicated the throne at the age of 28. For the film version, Christina's lesbianism is only hinted at (she kisses actress Elizabeth Young on the mouth) and a love interest (Gilbert) is introduced and used as the reason for her abdication (he is the Spanish ambassador). Queen Christina is a beautiful film and my personal favorite. It was Garbo's first film for her new contract and she had script, cast and director approval.
Gilbert and Garbo reunited again