Directed by:
Rouben MamoulianCinematography:
Victor MilnerCast:
Marlene Dietrich, Brian Aherne, Lionel Atwill, Alison Skipworth, Hardie Albright, Richard Bennett, Eric Wilton, Paul Panzer, Wilson Benge, Florence Roberts (more)Plots(1)
Country orphan Lily goes to Berlin to stay with her aunt and meets Richard, a handsome sculptor. Persuaded to pose for Richard, her physical charms melt away his 'strictly business' attitude and they become lovers. But Richard, wanting his freedom, connives to marry her to his wealthy client Baron von Merzbach... whose household includes a jealous former mistress and a susceptible farm manager. (Kino Lorber)
(more)Reviews (1)
In the earliest reviews of Marlene Dietrich's work, only The Blue Angel has ever stood out. After that, the attention was focused on all seven films Joe von Sternberg made with her. Today, the landmark film in this work, The Song of Songs, is a forgotten film. It was Marlene's first job in America without her Joe, but she already knew enough from him to direct herself based on his influence, with the subtle approval of Mamoulian, the official director. Mamoulian made plenty of his own films and many of them excelled, but in this case, he couldn't help but give way to his newly borrowed star. There she met Brian Ahern, who very soon played the role of her lifelong friend. Lionel Atwill, who reprised his role as her older partner in The Devil Is a Woman, appeared alongside Marlene for the first time. When Lilly undergoes her transformation and sings "Johnny," I'm always sure Shanghai Lil wouldn't be ashamed of her.
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