Lionel Atwill chances to meet an old friend Cesar Romero and tells him how Marlene Dietrich ruined his life, because Cesar says he is to meet her that night. Lionel tries to dissuade him most adamantly. We see Lionel's story told in flashbacks and how he finds himself immersed in Marlene and her mother, Alison Skipworth's world.
Compared to Morocco, I would say this is the better film in the context of storytelling and its way of keeping the viewer intrigued. And, Marlene's disposition helps to keep the viewer on their toes, just to see what she's going to do next.
But, while I've always liked Cesar Romero, the film's main weakness is in not having a male romantic interest in the same class as Marlene. Cesar was one of those Latin lovers, but he doesn't really come across with enough chutzpah to spar off with her, and the casting of Lionel Atwill, while he has a somewhat commanding presence, seems a bit too offbeat to be believable that she would fall for him, even if he is a soldier or officer.
All in all, I think you, the viewer would enjoy this film, given the fact you like Marlene. (You probably wouldn't be watching it if not for her.) Marlene and the subject matter make up for any of those flaws I mentioned. But because of the flaws I only give it a 7.
And the ending! It's up to you, whether you believe what she says to Cesar. You get the sense throughout the film she tells people not necessarily what they want to hear, but what she wants to tell them. Marlene Dietrich is at her best as a duplicitous little "devil." Sit back and enjoy!
Compared to Morocco, I would say this is the better film in the context of storytelling and its way of keeping the viewer intrigued. And, Marlene's disposition helps to keep the viewer on their toes, just to see what she's going to do next.
But, while I've always liked Cesar Romero, the film's main weakness is in not having a male romantic interest in the same class as Marlene. Cesar was one of those Latin lovers, but he doesn't really come across with enough chutzpah to spar off with her, and the casting of Lionel Atwill, while he has a somewhat commanding presence, seems a bit too offbeat to be believable that she would fall for him, even if he is a soldier or officer.
All in all, I think you, the viewer would enjoy this film, given the fact you like Marlene. (You probably wouldn't be watching it if not for her.) Marlene and the subject matter make up for any of those flaws I mentioned. But because of the flaws I only give it a 7.
And the ending! It's up to you, whether you believe what she says to Cesar. You get the sense throughout the film she tells people not necessarily what they want to hear, but what she wants to tell them. Marlene Dietrich is at her best as a duplicitous little "devil." Sit back and enjoy!