It's a silly comparison when this film preceded him by nearly 40 years, but it reminded me a lot of Altman. Not just because it has a large cast and intertwined stories, but because of the way the film frames the stories. It concentrates on the emotional state of the characters and their progression or lack thereof. Their interactions matter more in how they affect their state of mind than in the actual plot development. The performances are wonderful and enjoyable and essential to the success.

i tried to like it. i really did. joan crawford is gorgeous.

An overrated star-crammed MGM middle brow souflee.

'I want to be alone' - perhaps THE most classic Garbo line ever spoken? A very enjoyable ensemble film complete with diva-ballerinas, starlets and charming gents.

Nothing ever happens, nope, nope. A great work showing different characters and how their lives can intertwine. They grow, they change, and some die. I enjoyed this movie.

Interesting because it is a 1930's precursor to Robert Altman. Also a good example of how fuckin cool Hollywood stars were. Seriously, read about Garbo's feud with Crawford. Funnily enough, as classic as "I want to be alone is", Garbo's performance is weak and Joan Crawford blows her away. Lionel Barrymore is also excellent. I'm convinced that L. Bar was on some crazy shit. I've seen like three of his films and in every single one he's a completely different personality.

Completely delightful film. I found the over-acting enticing. But seriously, sometimes "I just want to be alone," as well, Greta.

A great ensemble piece with game acting, particularly by Crawford and the Barrymore brothers. The writing is terrific, with one particular, very surprising plot development earning my respect. The same cannot be said for Garbo. Beyond terrible, watching her made me want to gouge my eyeballs out and every time she opens her mouth, the movie (and we) suffer. I wish she would have just left us alone! [ba-dum-tschh]

It seems like a lot of movies from this era concern themselves with high society, class differences and such -- a worthwhile theme, to be sure. As a social commentary and a snapshot of German high society in the time of Hitler's rise to power, Grand Hotel is quite successful. As entertainment value, it is, for me, merely average.

Okay, freeze a pint bottle of Absolut. Watch it at 3 in the morning. That's what I did--one of my best cinematic experiences.

The animatronic Greta Garbo wants to be left alone (an easily obeyed command if you ask me), while a luminous and crafty Joan Crawford inserts herself everywhere. Guess which one sticks in your memory? Adding to the entertainment, a coupla Barrymores gambol, fret, and scheme on the periphery.

"Nothing ever happens," indeed. Too damn corny even for me

Good film.

Now I see why they call the multi-threaded soap opera plot the 'Grand Hotel' formula. It works decently well

Mindblowingly good cast...but dull as shit.

Great production values, great bore.