Seeing the glorious Marlene Dietrich in this film, I'm reminded, sadly, of what we've lost today in movies. Yes, we have wonderful and beautiful actresses, but where's the specialness that made someone like Dietrich so compelling? Exotic and mysterious, she's breathtaking.
Marie (Dietrich) is asked to spy for the Austrian secret service - she's a widow who lost her husband in the war, and she's a patriot. Marie agrees to use her considerable charms and beauty to wrangle some secrets out of the enemy.
This film is in response to Garbo in Mata Hari - Dietrich is much better as a seductress, plus she had the benefit of von Sternberg's direction. The masked ball scene is a highlight.
There is one large problem in this film in the person of Victor McLaglen, terribly cast and ruining an important part of the story. Supposedly she falls in love with him - well, there was no chemistry, there was nothing particularly romantic and charming about him - and to think Gary Cooper turned this down. Love ruins Marie as a spy.
The last few scenes are magnificent, with Marie, ever the adventurer, meeting her destiny with dignity - and a little primping.
von Sternberg gives us rich visuals and a very European flavor. And certainly he had the perfect star to match his vision. Gorgeous, glamorous, sensational Dietrich in a great role for her. Pity we wouldn't see anything like that in modern times.
Marie (Dietrich) is asked to spy for the Austrian secret service - she's a widow who lost her husband in the war, and she's a patriot. Marie agrees to use her considerable charms and beauty to wrangle some secrets out of the enemy.
This film is in response to Garbo in Mata Hari - Dietrich is much better as a seductress, plus she had the benefit of von Sternberg's direction. The masked ball scene is a highlight.
There is one large problem in this film in the person of Victor McLaglen, terribly cast and ruining an important part of the story. Supposedly she falls in love with him - well, there was no chemistry, there was nothing particularly romantic and charming about him - and to think Gary Cooper turned this down. Love ruins Marie as a spy.
The last few scenes are magnificent, with Marie, ever the adventurer, meeting her destiny with dignity - and a little primping.
von Sternberg gives us rich visuals and a very European flavor. And certainly he had the perfect star to match his vision. Gorgeous, glamorous, sensational Dietrich in a great role for her. Pity we wouldn't see anything like that in modern times.