The Blue Angel (1930)
[Der blaue Engel]
Director: Josef von Sternberg
Starring: Emil Jannings, Marlene Dietrich, Kurt Gerron
Synopsis:
A stuffy college professor falls for a nightclub singer, which leads to his downfall.
Impressions:
The first full-length German talkie and the film that made Marlene Dietrich an international star, this is a sad little tragicomedy who breaks the cardinal rule of less than reputable establishments: never fall for the staff. Emil Jannings does a fine job personifying the spirit of said tragicomedy as the protagonist Professor Rath and Marlene Dietrich shows off her singing chops as Lola. If you don't like watching things go downhill for people, this may prove to be a difficult watch. It's worth seeing for historical value if nothing else. Consider giving it a shot.
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