The Blue Angel (1930)

Despite Marlene Dietrich actually appearing in several silent films in her native Germany, it was 'The Blue Angel' that made her a star and rose her to international fame. It was also the film that started the famous and iconic 7-film collaboration of Dietrich and director Josef Von Sternberg.'The Blue Angel' may not be the best film of theirs, but is still very good and a knockout first collaboration for them. Of the German and English language versions, there is no doubt in my mind that the German version is the superior one being better paced and more natural. 'The Blue Angel's' only real drawback is to do with pacing, taking a little too long to get going and then later on parts feel rushed, abruptly introduced and not quite developed enough.Most memorable about 'The Blue Angel' is Dietrich on cruel and seductive form while singing her songs with sincerity, standing out especially being her iconic rendition of "Falling in Love Again" with her in a top hat and black stockings perched on the bar stool. Her character may not be likable but it's a complex one and Dietrich succeeds in making her real.It is easy to overlook Emil Jannings, in his first talking picture, however, the story of 'The Blue Angel' really being his, detailing of an enamoured man led to his downfall. It is a performance however underserving of overlooking, for it is a great performance full of wonderful moments (like his facial expression in the mirror and at the end), succeeding in making a real character in a way that's eccentric and poignant.Kurt Gerrer, who met a tragic end just over a decade later, is also good.Sternberg directs as sumptuously as to be expected and with adroit atmosphere. 'The Blue Angel' looks good, aside from occasional choppy editing, especially in the clever and luminous use of light and shadow lighting and cinematography that's atmospheric and classy. The music fits beautifully and enhances the mood, "Falling in Love Again" being a signature song of Dietrich's for very good reason.Further good things are a script that has a good balance of the comedic and the tragic, done amusingly and movingly, and a story that's disturbing and emotional, especially the heart-wrenching ending.Overall, very good film and more than just historical interest. 8/10 Bethany Cox

The Blue Angel is one magical movie. A story about people and human feelings. A love story about two different people. What people do for love? What all people permit themselves because of love? I do not intend to generalize, but it is quite interesting. The film, which is in his early comedy, after troubles becomes severe human drama. Josef Von Sternberg is only good tease, and he may have hit the target substance. The entire film is imbued with a strong erotic charge and works quite refreshing. Marlene sings one of the great songs in movie history. I maintain that without any pathos.This movie in man awakens different feelings. Emotions are not superficial and often leads man to the brink of the abyss. This is a little strange mix of comedy and tragedy that few people indifferent.Marlene Dietrich (Lola-Lola)has offered us her best performance. A man is hard to understand this character. Sincere only while singing. Playful and seductive, cold and repulsive. Hypnosis at any time without any shame.Emil Jannings as Professor Rath in its best performance. A respected educator, head over heels, devoted husband, henpecked, clown and eventually broken and destroyed the old man. All this in one film. This is the story of a professor Unrat. I wonder what the professor did not notice the clown in the first part of the film. Love can be blind if you Marlene plays before your eyes. I'm kidding of course.This is the best European film of the year.A small film that you in one part elicits a constant smile on your face. In the second part of the movie you gently removed the smile from your face

OK. I'm just guessing here - But judging by The Blue Angel's decidedly wacky, off-kilter storyline, I'm pretty convinced that this German import from 1930 was supposed to be director Josef Von Sternberg's idea (as lame as it was) of a Hollywood-style "Screwball" comedy.I mean, being a "Screwball" comedy is the only thing that explains so much about this film's nonsensical idiocy. 'Cause I could never, ever take the utter inanity that went on in The Blue Angel's story at all seriously.If this film was intended as a dead-serious drama, it sure came across as being downright laughable to me. And I'd say that anybody who does take this film with a straight face is setting themselves up for a major disappointment, if you ask me.At first I actually thought I was in for a real cinematic treat with The Blue Angel - But, alas, even the sluttified, 29-year-old Marlene Dietrich with her plump butt and chubby legs lost their overall appeal even before I realized what was happening.... And, what would I say about Dietrich's singing!!??.... Oh, man, I don't even wanna get started on that! In many ways, The Blue Angel reminded me, more than anything else, of a poorly-choreographed, live-action cartoon. And actor Emil Jannings (the future Nazi-lover) was absolutely despicable in this film as the lecherous, old fart, Professor Rath.

1. What the heck did Lola see in Immanuel? 2. This was the longest one hour movie ever made. 3. Marlene hadn't lost her baby fat by the time of this movie nor had her voice hit puberty. 4. Was that pancake or cocaine that Lola blew in Immanuel's face? 5. Strongmen have come a long way since the 30's. 6. That bird in the hat trick never gets old. 7. "Dishonored" was much better than this movie and Marlene was even sexier. 8. Everybody laughed when Immanuel crowed when he got married but not so much at the end of the movie.