Inspiration is a 1931 American Pre-Code Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film adapted from the Alphonse Daudet short novel Sappho (1884). The film was adapted by Gene Markey, directed by Clarence Brown and produced by Irving Thalberg. The cinematography was by William H. Daniels, the art direction by Cedric Gibbons and the costume design by Adrian. According to the critics, Garbo played her role easily and convincingly, contributing sparkling bits of light comedy, and making the awkward dialogue believable. She illuminates every scene, shining in her different styles of coiffure and striking costumes.