Question 1

Why did John Barrymore sign a three-picture deal with MGM?

Accepted Answer

John Barrymore was so thrilled at the prospect of appearing in the film with Greta Garbo that he accepted a three-picture deal with MGM.

Question 2

What real-life experiences inspired the story of Grand Hotel?

Accepted Answer

Author Vicki Baum based it on a true scandal involving a stenographer and an industrial magnate, plus her own experiences working as a chambermaid at two well-known Berlin hotels.

Question 3

Why did Joan Crawford initially object to her role as Flaemmchen?

Accepted Answer

Joan Crawford feared her performance would be censored for being too provocative and racy. Many conservative American states did cut most of her scenes for indecency.

Question 4

How did Grand Hotel change Hollywood's approach to casting stars?

Accepted Answer

It was daringly conceived as the first all-star film, featuring five top-tier MGM stars and becoming one of the studio's highest grossing pictures, changing the philosophy of spreading stars across many films.

Question 5

What did John Barrymore famously tell the cinematographer about his appearance?

Accepted Answer

John Barrymore said to cinematographer William H. Daniels: "I'm 50 years old and I want to look like Jackie Cooper's grandson."

Grand Hotel

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