The Painted Veil (1934 film)

The Painted Veil is a 1934 American drama film directed by Richard Boleslawski. It is based on the novel of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham. The film stars Greta Garbo, Herbert Marshall, and George Brent, and follows the story of a woman who travels with her husband to China, where she embarks on an affair, only to find herself falling back in love with her husband amidst a cholera epidemic.

Plot

The film opens with Katrin Fane (played by Greta Garbo), who marries a medical researcher, Walter Fane (played by Herbert Marshall), more out of convenience than love. The couple moves to Hong Kong, where Katrin embarks on an affair with Jack Townsend (played by George Brent), a dashing diplomat. When Walter discovers the affair, he accepts a job in a remote village in China ravaged by a cholera epidemic, insisting Katrin accompany him as a form of punishment and redemption. Amidst the crisis, Katrin begins to see her husband in a new light, admiring his dedication and courage, leading to a rekindled love between them.

Cast

• Greta Garbo as Katrin Fane
• Herbert Marshall as Walter Fane
• George Brent as Jack Townsend
• Warner Oland as General Yu
• Jean Hersholt as Herr Koerber

Production

The production of The Painted Veil involved significant challenges, including shooting in remote locations and dealing with the logistics of recreating early 20th-century China on screen. The film's portrayal of an exotic locale and its dramatic storyline were typical of Hollywood's approach to adaptation during the era. Greta Garbo's performance was particularly noted for its depth and nuance, contributing significantly to the film's success.

Reception

Upon its release, The Painted Veil received critical acclaim for its performances, especially that of Greta Garbo, and its production values. However, it also faced criticism for its deviations from Maugham's novel, particularly in its more optimistic ending. Despite this, the film has been recognized for its exploration of themes such as love, redemption, and the clash of cultures.

Legacy

The Painted Veil has been subject to analysis and critique for its portrayal of colonial attitudes and its romanticization of the East. Nonetheless, it remains an important work in the canon of early Hollywood cinema, particularly for its performances and visual style. The film has been remade several times, most notably in 2006 with a version starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, which more closely follows Maugham's original narrative.