Three and a half minutes into Torrent, the
camera discovers an actress, new to Hollywood, her hands clasped in
prayer – and an international screen legend is born. After appearing in
only two films in her native Sweden, Greta Garbo starred in this
tempestuous tale of the star-crossed romance between a Spanish nobleman
(charismatic Ricardo Cortez) and a peasant girl (Garbo) who, even after
finding fame as an opera star, can never forget the aristocrat she
loves. In its review, Variety spoke for audiences enthralled by the
lanky newcomer with the expressive, astonishingly beautiful face: “Greta
Garbo, making her American debut as a screen star, might just as well
be hailed here as the find of the year.” Or any year.