Two-Faced Woman
Two-Faced Woman is a 1941 American romantic comedy film directed by George Cukor and starring Greta Garbo in her final screen appearance, with Melvyn Douglas as her co-lead.[1][2] The plot centers on Karin, a ski instructor who marries urban magazine editor Larry but later impersonates a fictional vivacious twin sister, Katherine, to provoke jealousy and reaffirm his commitment after he flirts with an ex-lover.[1] Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer amid efforts to lighten Garbo's dramatic image into screwball comedy, the film encountered script rewrites, multiple directors, and censorship scrutiny over its risqué elements, including implied premarital sex.[3][2] Upon release, it drew criticism for Garbo's unconvincing comedic turn and strained dual role, resulting in poor critical reception and underwhelming box office performance relative to her star power, factors that aligned with her subsequent retirement from acting.[4][5] Despite later reevaluations praising its bold humor and Cukor's direction, the movie remains notable as a commercial misfire that marked the end of Garbo's Hollywood era.[6]
Synopsis
Plot Summary
Karin, a ski instructress at a resort in Idaho, meets Larry Blake, a New York magazine publisher vacationing there, and marries him after a whirlwind romance, with Larry agreeing to relinquish his hectic urban career.[7][3] However, Larry soon departs for New York alone to attend to urgent business matters, leaving Karin behind.[3] Suspecting his fidelity upon following him to the city, Karin witnesses Larry flirting with his former flame, the sophisticated magazine writer Griselda Vaughn.[1][3] Determined to test his loyalty, she fabricates the existence of an identical twin sister named Katherine and transforms herself into a worldly, flirtatious socialite to entice Larry.[1][3] As "Katherine," Karin draws Larry's romantic interest, culminating in an intimate encounter where he discerns her true identity but proceeds, which disrupts her scheme and prompts her return to the ski resort.[3] Larry pursues her there, publicly exposes the impersonation to resolve the ensuing misunderstandings involving mutual acquaintances, and reaffirms his commitment, leading to their reconciliation.[3]Cast
Principal Cast
Greta Garbo starred as Karin Blake, who impersonates her fictitious twin sister Katherine to test her husband's fidelity, in what was her sole screen portrayal involving a dual character through persona differentiation via wardrobe, hairstyle, and behavioral shifts, achieved without contemporary special effects.[3][2] Melvyn Douglas played Larry Blake, the magazine editor husband, leveraging his prior comedic roles to provide levity contrasting Garbo's dramatic reputation in this romantic comedy.[3]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Constance Bennett | Griselda Vaughn |
| Roland Young | O. O. Miller |
| Robert Sterling | Dick "Dickie" Williams |