Anna Christie (1930)
Greta Garbo speaks for the first time on screen in this powerful pre-code drama of secrets, shame, and redemption at sea.
Anna Christie - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1930
- Directed by: Clarence Brown
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Swedish
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 21, 1930 (United States)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Anna Christie - Plot
Old sailor Chris Christofferson eagerly awaits the arrival of his grown daughter Anna, whom he sent at five years old to live with relatives in Minnesota. He has not seen her since, but believes her to be a decent and respectably employed young woman. When Anna arrives, however, it is clear that she has lived a hard life in the dregs of society, and that much of spirit has been extinguished. She falls in love with a young sailor rescued at sea by her father, but dreads to reveal to him the truth of her past. Both father and young man are deluded about her background, yet Anna cannot quite bring herself to allow them to remain deluded.
Anna Christie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and hear Greta Garbo's legendary screen voice for yourself:
Garbo Talks!
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Anna Christie - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Clarence Brown
Main Cast
- Greta Garbo
- Charles Bickford
- George F. Marion
- Marie Dressler
- James T. Mack
- Lee Phelps
- Jack Baxley
- William H. O'Brien
- Robert Parrish
Writers
- Frances Marion
Producers
- Irving Thalberg
Anna Christie - FAQs
What is Anna Christie about?
Anna Christie follows a young woman with a painful past who reunites with her old sailor father after years apart. She falls for a shipwrecked sailor he rescues, but struggles to reveal the truth about her life. The film is a moving portrait of shame, redemption, and the courage it takes to be honest with the people you love.
Why is Anna Christie historically significant?
Anna Christie marked Greta Garbo's transition from silent films to talkies, making it one of Hollywood's most anticipated debuts of the sound era. The tagline 'Garbo Talks!' became iconic. Her deep, accented voice captivated audiences and critics alike, cementing her status as one of cinema's greatest stars.
Where can you stream Anna Christie?
Anna Christie is available to watch for free on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, and Fawesome. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. FilmBox Live Amazon Channel also offers it as part of a subscription.
Is Anna Christie based on a true story?
Anna Christie is not based on a true story. It's adapted from Eugene O'Neill's 1921 Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play of the same name. O'Neill drew on his own seafaring background and observations of working-class life to craft the story, giving it a raw, authentic feel that resonates even today.
Who are the main actors in Anna Christie?
The film stars Greta Garbo as the troubled Anna, Charles Bickford as the passionate sailor Matt Burke, George F. Marion as her weathered father Chris Christofferson, and Marie Dressler in a memorable supporting turn as Marthy Owens. It's a powerhouse ensemble anchored by Garbo's magnetic screen presence.
Did Anna Christie earn any award nominations?
Yes — Anna Christie earned Greta Garbo an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress at the 3rd Academy Awards, alongside her nomination for Romance (1930). Director Clarence Brown was also nominated for Best Director. The dual nominations in the same year underscored just how dominant Garbo was in early Hollywood.
What does the pre-code label mean for this film?
Pre-code refers to Hollywood films made before the strict enforcement of the Hays Production Code in 1934. Anna Christie deals openly with prostitution and moral ambiguity — themes that would have been heavily censored just a few years later. This frankness gives the film a raw, modern edge that still feels surprisingly bold.
Is Anna Christie worth watching today?
Absolutely. Anna Christie holds up remarkably well as both a historical landmark and a genuinely moving drama. Garbo's performance is extraordinary — nuanced, vulnerable, and utterly compelling. For fans of classic Hollywood, pre-code cinema, or simply great acting, this 1930 gem is essential viewing.
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