Connect with us

Features

Movie Legends: Marlene Dietrich

Published

on


Moody and sensual. Aloof and beautiful. Aristocractic, but with more than a hint of danger beneath the surface.

Marlene Dietrich grew up in a middle-class Prussian household, willfull and rebellious and self-obsessed. Her career began in Berlin, where she became a popular showgirl in the daring musical reviews of the day. At a casting call, she met an assistent director named Rudolf Sieber, who was immediately smitten — they married in 1923 and quickly had a daughter, Maria.

Her popularity in German films grew. When Josef von Sternberg was in Berlin to cast the first German talkie, “The Blue Angel”, he took one look at Dietrich and knew he had found Lola-Lola. Dietrich became an instant star around the world.

She left her family in Germany and flew to Hollywood with von Sternberg, beginning an intense affair and a series of films that etched Dietrich’s unique sense of style into America’s consciousness forever.

Advertisement

After the war, Dietrich made films with directors as diverse as Hitchcock, Orson Welles and Billy Wilder. After making more memorable films, the screen legend left the movies.

She returned to her roots, earning a rumored $30,000 a week as a cabaret singer in Las Vegas.

Dietrich was an icon, and she knew it. In the last years of her life, when she felt she could no longer sustain her image, she became a recluse.

She refused to be photographed or filmed. Refused to do anything that might dilute the power of the image she had created.

Advertisement

It worked. We remember her the way she was, the way she demanded we remember her.


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

Station 19 Station 19
News6 hours ago

Station 19, March 28, 2024, ABC, “True Colors”

It’s time for exciting new episode of Station 19 on Thursday, March 28 at 10:00 PM on ABC. In “True...

Next Level Chef Next Level Chef
News7 hours ago

Next Level Chef, March 28, 2024, FOX, “It’s All Greek to Me”

In the latest episode of the reality cooking show “Next Level Chef,” airing on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00...

The Kelly Clarkson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show
News11 hours ago

Ricky Martin, The Kelly Clarkson Show, March 28, 2024

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, get ready for an exciting episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. The show kicks off...

Late Night With Seth Meyers Late Night With Seth Meyers
News11 hours ago

Liam Neeson, Sheryl Crow, Late Night With Seth Meyers, March 28, 2024

Fans of Late Night With Seth Meyers won’t want to miss the upcoming episode on Thursday, March 28th. Join Seth...

LIVE with Kelly and Mark LIVE with Kelly and Mark
News11 hours ago

Maura Tierney, Ego Nwodim, LIVE with Kelly and Mark, March 28, 2024

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, LIVE with Kelly and Mark will bring you an exciting lineup of guests. Tune in...

The Sherri Shepherd Show The Sherri Shepherd Show
News11 hours ago

Niecy Nash-Betts, Sherri, March 28, 2024

Thursday, March 28 2024, brings another hilarious episode of Sherri. Join Sherri Shepherd as she gives her unique take on...

The Talk The Talk
News11 hours ago

Taylor Tomlinson, Brett Gelman, The Talk, March 28, 2024, CBS

A brand new episode of The Talk is set to air on CBS on Thursday, March 28, 2024. During this...

Tamron Hall Tamron Hall
News11 hours ago

Koryn Hawthorne, Giancarlo Esposito, Tamron Hall, March 28, 2024, ABC

On Thursday March 28th at 10:00 AM., ABC presents an enthralling episode of Tamron Hall. This episode’s lineup includes some...

Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
News13 hours ago

Nissan Figaro & Ferrari 250 GT, Bangers & Cash, March 28, 2024, Yesterday

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM., Yesterday presents a brand new episode of Bangers & Cash. This reality...

Big Mood Big Mood
News13 hours ago

Big Mood Episode 2, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Down”

Continue the laughter and heartfelt moments with the second episode of Big Mood on Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 10:30...

Rob Beckett's Smart TV Rob Beckett's Smart TV
News13 hours ago

Natasia Demetriou, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Cush Jumbo, Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett’s Smart TV, 28 March 2024, Sky Max,

Rob Beckett’s Smart TV is back with another entertaining episode on Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM on Sky...

Trucking Hell Trucking Hell
News13 hours ago

Trucking Hell, 28 March 2024, 5Action

On Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM., Trucking Hell returns with an action-packed episode that takes viewers into the...

A&E After Dark A&E After Dark
News13 hours ago

A&E After Dark, 28 March 2024, 5STAR,

Its another intense and gripping night at Tunbridge Wells A&E as A&E After Dark returns with a new episode on...

Big Mood Big Mood
News13 hours ago

Series Premiere, Big Mood, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Up”

Gear up for a hilarious and heartfelt comedy as Big Mood makes its debut on Channel 4 on Thursday, 28...

Great British Railway Journeys Great British Railway Journeys
News13 hours ago

Edinburgh to Queensferry, Great British Railway Journeys, March 28, BBC Two,

BBC Two is set to air a brand new episode of Great British Railway Journeys on Thursday, March 28, 2024...

BBC Two Logo BBC Two Logo
News13 hours ago

Bruce Lee: A Life in Ten Pictures, 28 March 2024, BBC Two

On Thursday, 28 March at 9:00 PM., Bruce Lee fans will have the opportunity to take a look at his...

Popular