109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
I added my thoughts on the TV interview above. Good stuff. Dietrich’s warmth reminded me of an anecdote about her from Rosemary Clooney’s autobiography. The two were good friends (and recorded a couple songs together). When Clooney was divorcing José Ferrer and fell into a deep depression, Dietrich would come over to make dinner and clean Clooney’s house for her. She particularly enjoyed scrubbing the floors, which she found relaxing. I had sort of a hard time believing that when reading it in print, but Dietrich absolutely comes across in this interview as someone who would do that for a good friend.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
I hadn't heard that anecdote, but I had heard a similar one (was it from Orson Welles?) that Dietrich was happiest when she was just being a down-to-earth Hausfrau, cooking dinner for friends or doing housework.Werewolf by Night wrote: ↑Tue Aug 21, 2018 10:29 pmI added my thoughts on the TV interview above. Good stuff. Dietrich’s warmth reminded me of an anecdote about her from Rosemary Clooney’s autobiography. The two were good friends (and recorded a couple songs together). When Clooney was divorcing José Ferrer and fell into a deep depression, Dietrich would come over to make dinner and clean Clooney’s house for her. She particularly enjoyed scrubbing the floors, which she found relaxing. I had sort of a hard time believing that when reading it in print, but Dietrich absolutely comes across in this interview as someone who would do that for a good friend.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
I also loved the homay king extra, highlight of the set. The Janet Bernstein interview on Morocco I fell asleep after about twenty minutes, so I only missed about twenty minutes!
The television interview is also excellent.
Having finally watched blonde Venus and devil is a woman and rewatched Scarlett empress I was surprised my opinion of the latter has remained unchanged (i’ll sum it up as “meh”).
The other two are set highlights, excellent films I wish I watched them fifteen years ago instead of giving up after back to back Morocco and empress.
So that makes the three new to me films in the set all ones that I more or less really liked and outright enjoyed. I was pleasantly surprised over all.
The television interview is also excellent.
Having finally watched blonde Venus and devil is a woman and rewatched Scarlett empress I was surprised my opinion of the latter has remained unchanged (i’ll sum it up as “meh”).
The other two are set highlights, excellent films I wish I watched them fifteen years ago instead of giving up after back to back Morocco and empress.
So that makes the three new to me films in the set all ones that I more or less really liked and outright enjoyed. I was pleasantly surprised over all.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
I haven’t watched all of the extras yet so I don’t know if this is ever talked about but I can’t find an answer anywhere: does anyone know if there was anything between Dietrich and Von Sternberg or anything that contributed to them not working again ever?
It’s obvious that he was in love with her, but what caused their collaborations to end? Was it as simple as The Devil is a Woman just not doing well? Did they have a falling out? Was Dietrich not fond of his affection? Did the studios not want to work anymore?
It just seems like such a blunt end to such a long string of tight collaborations that seems so unanswered.
It’s obvious that he was in love with her, but what caused their collaborations to end? Was it as simple as The Devil is a Woman just not doing well? Did they have a falling out? Was Dietrich not fond of his affection? Did the studios not want to work anymore?
It just seems like such a blunt end to such a long string of tight collaborations that seems so unanswered.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
If memory serves von Sternberg had burnt a lot of bridges by that point plus his films made no money. If you check his CV you'll see his career fell dormant not too long after their last collab.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Yes, I got the impression (from the extras?) that Scarlett Empress and Devil Is A Woman both were money-losers, and then his contract was up?
Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Same here, and I'm sure that's where most of the budget went.david hare wrote: ↑Wed Aug 22, 2018 12:40 amFor me the value is in the transfers which are wonderful to have.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Can't recall which documentary or book presents the definitive take on their relationship, but I thought it was pretty well known that von Sternberg's obsession w/ Marlene was one way, as she had very little interest in him.....or any man, but only assumed the role to further her career...and The Devil Is A Woman basically sums up their relationship.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
If one goes by the incredible and incredibly libelous softcore porn film adaptation of Hollywood Babylon from the 70s, they both were gay and brought home men and women for each other. This is not a reliable primary, secondary, or tertiary source though
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Whilst most likely salacious gossip like the rest of the source material, albeit rather beguiling. I was wondering how might that work in practice?domino harvey wrote: ↑Wed Aug 22, 2018 11:12 pmIf one goes by the incredible and incredibly libelous softcore porn film adaptation of Hollywood Babylon from the 70s, they both were gay and brought home men and women for each other. This is not a reliable primary, secondary, or tertiary source though
Like you're a guy hit on by Marlene Dietrich no less but when you get back to the den there's Von Sternberg in his bathrobe waiting for you. What do you do? .... make the best of a bad job?
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
who wouldn't?
- zedz
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
"Uh, Joe, do you mind if we turn the creepy clown picture towards the wall?"
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Pretty sure that was taken in Kristen Bell's house on the Good Place
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Well now that you mention it...
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
Why do I think ... Svengali....
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
The biography Von Sternberg, written by John Baxter, pub. 2010. Excellent book, very authoritative.Lowry_Sam wrote: ↑Wed Aug 22, 2018 10:39 pmCan't recall which documentary or book presents the definitive take on their relationship, but I thought it was pretty well known that von Sternberg's obsession w/ Marlene was one way, as she had very little interest in him.....or any man, but only assumed the role to further her career...and The Devil Is A Woman basically sums up their relationship.
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Re: 109, 930-935 Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood
No idea where else to post this (mods, please feel free to move if you think of a better spot), but this is pretty cool:
"Shanghai Express" star Anna May Wong is getting her own commemorative quarter
"Shanghai Express" star Anna May Wong is getting her own commemorative quarter