"Der Blaue Engel" is a German film better known by its English translation title, "The Blue Angel". Two versions were filmed simultaneously, with the same cast, one in English and one in German. The version discussed here is in English. I have heard that the German language version is better, but that may only be because it is easier to read the English subtitles than to decipher the thick German accents of the actors. Having been made very early in the talkie era does not help matters, as the sound quality is only adequate.
The story takes place in Germany during the 1920s. A high school professor (Emil Jannings) has some rowdy pupils in his class. These students frequently visit a disreputable nightclub, the Blue Angel. When Jannings learns of this, he visits the nightclub to catch them in the act. But instead of catching them, he falls in love with a showgirl (Marlene Dietrich), resulting in his ruin.
At the time, Jannings was a much bigger star than Dietrich. He had made dozens of German films, and had recently won the 1929 Academy Award for Best Actor (for both "The Way of All Flesh" and "The Last Command"). While Dietrich's role is much smaller, it catapulted her to Hollywood stardom. She would not make another German film for nearly thirty years. Curiously, it is the only German title credited to the director, Austrian-born Josef von Sternberg, who had a lengthy but stormy career in Hollywood.
In the U.S., a high school teacher is not a high status position, and the wages are much lower than that person could make in the business world. In Germany during the 1920s, a high school professor was apparently very well respected. The students stand at attention when he enters the room, and fear his wrath. At the nightclub, the entertainers refer to him by title, and even bow to him.
Perhaps this help makes the romance between Jannings and Dietrich more believable, as what the glamorous showgirl sees in the unkempt, stodgy, middle-aged man is beyond my understanding.
The film's strength does not come from Dietrich but from Janning's character. From the film's beginning, he is shown to be somewhat foolish, but as his fortunes change, he becomes bitter, and later humiliated and frightened. Perhaps the lesson is that we all have a certain place in society and life, and changing that position can only lead to trouble.
This pessimistic view is unusual for cinema, which even in themes of tragic love have both partners remain in good faith. A more commonly found theme in films is the notion that true love conquers all, which practical experience shows is not generally the case.
The soundtrack introduces one of the most famous songs performed by Marlene Dietrich, "Falling in Love Again".
A lesser remake of "The Blue Angel" was produced by 20th Century Fox in 1959, with none of the original cast. (85/100)
Erotic Drama DVD - Marlene Dietrich became an immediate international star on the strength of her performance as the temptress Lola Frohlich in Josef ...More at Barnes and Noble
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