Oh, my head spins when I think of what might have been for Garbo. But, on the other hand, I am so thankful she STOPPED when she did. It suited her perfectly. That way we all can speculate, dream, and treasure what she did do. I have to admit I thought Two-Faced Woman a disaster. It should never have been made, and they should have had the foresight to know they were heading straight toward the end of the road.
And, yes, I am sure that one of Mason and Gardner is legit, as well. Mason was superb in it, and Ava never looked more beautiful. There is a clip on TCM where they show brief clips of close ups of stars one after another. The one they chose for Ava was from that film when she turns and looks straight into the camera in magnificent TECHNICOLOR! I know it really isn't technicolor, but I don't have any idea what to call it. She takes my breath away each time I see that clip.
And, as for living on the edge of the world dipping your toe in every now and then, I think many of us on these forums agree wholeheartedly. I go to work and deal with the problems of the world, and then I come home to the GOLDEN AGE (which I use as a loose metaphor for all the old films from the silents to the 60's) and lose myself in the glamour and beauty that once was. Although, as a man, I watch the films primarily for the female stars, I appreciate no end the value of the male contribution. That is one reason I started this thread. Too many times the guys get overlooked by Davis, Hepburn, Garbo, Harlow, Hayworth, Gardner, Shearer, Dietrich, Colbert, Garson, Loy, et al. I really liked the addition of Mason. He has always been a big favorite of mine, but I have to admit I had forgotten him until he found his place here among the other great guys. Nice addition, and here is another one, Nils Asther.
And, ChiO, I am not familiar with any of Ophuls' films, but two I would really like to see are Letter From An Unknown Woman and The Exile.