Here is a true story about Garbo. She started to collect fine art in the 40's. One of the dealers she used to visit was a man named Klaus Perls who later became one of the most important dealers in the world for early 20th century art. Klaus is an introvert, German, very correct, not comfortable with people but a kind person.

The first time Garbo came to his gallery, she stood staring intently at a small painting by Soutine, standing so close to it that no one could see her face which was half-hidden by one of her famous floppy hats. Of course, Klaus recognized her – she was so famous! – and this was shortly after she stopped making films. Klaus didn't want to bother her but, at the same time, she was in his gallery and it was only polite for him to introduce himself and say that, if she needed help, he'd be available.

So he went up to her; Garbo didn't notice him. She was staring at the canvas. Klaus touched her elbow; Garbo froze in horror then jumped and gave a huge startled cry like she was being strangled! It was like an animal cry: AAARRGGGgggghhh!!!!

Klaus was so shocked he didn't know what to do and he stood there tongue-tied. Garbo was horrified and so afraid, she couldn't move but stood there paralyzed. Klaus recovered first and managed to stammer that it was his gallery and he was only trying to be helpful. At that, Garbo calmed down and asked, 'How much is this painting?' (meaning the Soutine) Klaus told her it was five hundred dollars; Garbo reached into her pocket – she was wearing a raincoat – and pulled out five hundred cash (!), gave it to him and, without waiting for a receipt, left abruptly.

Days later, she returned unexpectedly to get her purchase. Klaus and his wife, Dolly, became good friends with her for almost fifty years, until her death.