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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 805

Romance

193076 minUnited States

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: English
This copy runs: 76:09
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Clarence Brown · Public domain

Synopsis

When his grandson announces plans to marry an actress, an elderly bishop recalls his own love for an opera singer. As a young clergyman, he pursued Rita Cavallini despite his family's objections and rumors about her past. The memory reveals how affection, honesty and social expectations shaped a decision whose consequences have remained with him for decades.

Cast

Greta Garbo

Lewis Stone

DirectorsClarence Brown

Inspirations

The film adapts Edward Sheldon's stage play, previously filmed in the silent era. Greta Garbo's Rita stands at the center of a romance framed by an older man's reconsideration of the choices he made when young.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 12, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

Greta Garbo — Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (work for hire) · Public domain
Lewis Stone — Keyes · Public domain

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