As You Desire Me — Confirmed

“Garbo (sporting a peroxide wig some of the time) brings a real erotic undertow to the love scenes, while Stroheim is terrific as the demonically sadistic writer trying to model her as one of his own creations.” Rotten Tomatoes

: Her performance is widely praised for rising above the "hokey" or "far-fetched" script. Modern reviewers note her "overt sensuality" and "amazing screen aura," though some find her theatrical gestures a bit dated. As You Desire Me

The story follows a cabaret singer in Berlin, played by , who may be an amnesiac Italian countess named Maria. She is tracked down by a friend of Maria's husband, Bruno (Melvyn Douglas), and returns to an Italian villa to reclaim her life. “Garbo (sporting a peroxide wig some of the

: The film leaves it largely ambiguous whether she is truly the missing wife or a masterful imposter, a "Pirandellian mystery" that keeps viewers guessing. Performance and Style She is tracked down by a friend of

: Playing the "demonically sadistic" writer Salter, von Stroheim provides a terrific, bizarre foil to Garbo's character.

: The film is known for its opulent costumes designed by Adrian , including Garbo's notable peroxide blonde wig and striking "Cap without a lid". Critical Consensus