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September 18, 2008
Dietrich Notices Streisand's Nose
Maria Riva's biography of her mother Marlene Dietrich is refreshingly honest
and beautifully written.
One of the most fascinating Hollywood biographies was written by Maria Riva, Marlene Dietrich's daughter. Riva's book reveals a monstrously self-absorbed woman whose every moment was devoted to the glamorous Dietrich image, and perpetuating the legend of a noble and selfless woman.
Riva's book overflows with telling details about Dietrich's obsession with her own beauty; when shooting a film, Dietrich positioned a full-length mirror beside the camera so she could keep an eye on herself. Dietrich's knowledge of lighting and camera were often more sophisticated than the cameramen and directors with whom she she worked. Her face was a living canvas on which Dietrich labored for perfection. If you look closely at her movies of the 40's, when she was no longer working with Joseph von Sternberg—real name Jonas Sternberg—you can, on occasion, see the white line Dietrich inscribed down her nose to give it a more streamlined appearance.
When looking at rushes for the wretched Kismet, 1944, Dietrich demanded to know from the legendary cameraman Charles Rosher why she wasn't looking as young as before.
In response, Rosher deadpanned: “Well Marlene, I am ten years older.”
Taking no prisoners, Riva lists many of Dietrich's lovers. There were hundreds for Dietrich was incapable of genuine love—she was a classic narcissist—and considered it her sacred and civic duty to seduce most everyone, male and female, in her path.
When John Wayne declined her advances, Dietrich flew into a rage. How dare this stupid American cowboy reject the great Dietrich. She never forgave Duke. This was a woman who marinated in her life-long grudges.
There are laugh-out-loud passages where Dietrich, often buzzing on a Dexedrine-fueled high, delivers biting monologues on the actors and actresses she holds in contempt for their hideous looks or vulgar fashion sense.
In one amusing passage, she's preparing her wardrobe with the great Paramount designer Travis Banton for The Devil is a Woman 1935. Dietrich has just returned from New York where she attended the Ziegfeld Follies and saw Fanny Brice—real name Fania Borach.
“Those girls of his [Ziegfeld] are very pretty! But much too tall for women—must be men. And those things they have to carry, strapped to their heads! I was frightened they were going to fall down all those stairs! Don't you think that whole to-do is a bit exaggerated? For the screen, I can understand, but on stage? It looks like a circus... and that ugly woman. Fanny Brice! What is she doing with those beautiful Ziegfeld show girls? No one can be that ugly! No one can allow themselves to go around with a nose like that and then sing! Travis, do you know where that accent of hers comes from? There is no country in the world that has an accent like that. What is that?”
Travis was laughing.
“I think it comes from a part of New York called the Bronx.”
“I don't believe it! And she keeps it?”
Thirty-three years later, I was with my mother when she saw Barbra Streisand play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. In the dark movie house, Dietrich's voice rose, clear and distinct above the film's sound track.
“Well, she certainly has the nose for it!”
Fanny Brice, her Bronx accent and prominent nose offended Dietrich's
aesthetic sense.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at September 18, 2008 09:37 AM
Comments
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You picked a lovely shot of Fanny...especially since her pose seems to be saying "ME?? MY nose and MY accent are offensive to Ms. Dietrich? Not possible!"
Marlene's photo has that challenging, "come hither" look.
Posted by: Pearl at September 18, 2008 04:23 PM
Pearl:
So glad you noticed. There are many really awful photos of Fanny Brice. It's as if the photographers were looking to nail the poor woman. The photo I posted is easily the best I've ever seen and I'm sure Brice treasured the image.
Dietrich was a genius at posing and editing her own photos. This is one of her signature looks. Most effective in promoting the glamorous and mysterious image she worked so hard to project.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at September 18, 2008 04:55 PM
Thanks for the heads up on Riva's book, Robert. Dietrich's never been my cup of tea, but I'll have to see if the library has a copy. I do like the bit about "her sacred and civic duty to seduce most anyone" - sounds like Tallulah Bankhead!
BTW, I'm sure you know, but if anyone on this thread is interested, try to grab a copy of the Kevin Brownlow book "The Parade's Gone By." There's a wonderful chapter with Von Sternberg instructing a group of modern (1960s, I believe) cameramen, lighting men and actors how he got his signature look.
Posted by: Christopher at September 19, 2008 06:50 AM
Christopher:
You can get the Riva book on Amazon.com for about one American dollar. A bargain.
Dietrich was great in The Blue Angel—because this was the only part in her career that was not tailored for her. She's fresh and vibrant and not the self-conscious creature she morphed into.
I like her in Shanghai Express, but in truth, Anna May Wong's performance is far and away the best in the film. Clive Barne's face is frozen, mummified, the result of a botched plastic surgery.
My favorite Dietrich film, post Blue Angel is the little seen The Lady is Willing, where Dietrich plays, well, Dietrich. It's a sly, comedic performance by an actress playing off her own larger than life image.
Naturally, she detested her co-star, the great Fred MacMurray, who refused to sleep with her. Fred was in love with his wife. Marlene never forgave this transgression and held MacMurray in contempt her entire life.
The Brownlow chapter you mention on von Sternberg is wonderful. There's a great moment when one of the technicians looks at the woman being lit by Sternie and exclaims in wonder:"She's beautiful.”
Jo von Sternberg is still the only Hollywood director who was also a member of the Cinematographers Guild.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at September 19, 2008 08:14 AM