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Romance is a 1930 American romantic drama film, directed by Clarence Brown and starring the iconic actress Greta Garbo, alongside Lewis Stone and Gavin Gordon. The movie tells the story of Madame Rita Cavallini (Garbo), a famous opera singer who falls in love with a young aristocrat, the Count Luigi Ravelli (Gordon). Despite the age difference between them, they start a passionate romance which is not well-received by the Count's family. His father, Baron Ravelli (Stone), disapproves of their relationship because of the social status difference and also because he believes that Rita is only interested in Count Luigi for his money.

The conflict between Rita and the Ravellis is exacerbated when the Count is severely injured in a hunting accident, leaving him with a permanent limp. Baron Ravelli blames Rita for his son's condition, believing that her influence on him led to the accident.

In an attempt to prove herself worthy of the Count's love and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way, Rita decides to give up her career as an opera singer and become a nun. However, her sacrifice is not enough to convince Baron Ravelli, who believes that the only way for the Count to be happy is by marrying within his own class.

Romance explores themes such as class differences, sacrifice, and the limits of love. Garbo's performance is top-notch, as she gives a nuanced portrayal of a woman torn between her personal desires and the societal expectations of her time. Her chemistry with Gavin Gordon is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most memorable of the movie. Stone's performance as the stern and overprotective father is also notable, adding depth to the conflicts that arise in the story.

The movie features stunning cinematography, with lush sets and exquisite costumes that evoke the opulence of the opera world and the aristocratic society of the time. The use of sound is also noteworthy, with a score that complements the emotions of the characters and the drama of the situations.

Romance was released in 1930, at the height of the pre-Code era in Hollywood, before the introduction of the Production Code that enforced stricter moral guidelines for movies. As a result, the movie features themes and situations that were later considered controversial, such as extramarital affairs and suicide attempts.

Overall, Romance is a romantic drama that stands the test of time, with powerful performances and beautiful visuals. It is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood and of the legendary Greta Garbo.

Romance is a 1930 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.