Ninotchka (1939) starring Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire, Bela Lugosi, Sig Ruman Synopsis of Ninotchka In Ninotchka, Greta Garbo bursts into a rare bit of onscreen laughter during her portrayal of a cold-hearted Soviet agent. She is warmed up by a trip to Paris and a night of love.