- An original Portuguese language lobby card for The Blue Angel (1930), signed in silver marker pen by star Marlene Dietrich
German born Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992) was a fascinating character. She began her acting career in 1920s Berlin, then (as now) one of the world’s most creative cities. Her big break came with her performance as Lola-Lola in Josef Von Sternberg’s The Blue Angel (1930). A career in Hollywood beckoned.
In the 1950s, she began touring the US as a cabaret act, trading off her reputation as a glamorous femme fatale. She returned to Europe in the 1960s, living out the last decade of her life as a recluse in Paris.
This is an original 1930s 12 x 8.6 inch Portuguese lobby card for Josef Von Sternberg’s The Blue Angel (O Anjo Azul). It displays light foxing to the left hand side. You’ll find original pin marks at each corner and a minor tear at the top left that doesn't detract from the overall composition.
Dietrich has inscribed the piece: “To Gilbert with all my love and gratitude/ Marlene”. She writes in silver marker pen. That dates the inscription to at least three decades after this poster was printed. These types of markers weren’t invented until the mid-1960s, so Dietrich could have signed anytime from then until the early 1990s.
Usually Dietrich would sign with her full name. She signed with her first name only for very close friends. It’s possible that “Gilbert” may be Gilbert Becaud (1927-2001), a French singer nicknamed “Mr 100,000 Volts”. The two spent a lot of time together over the years. Dietrich used to perform a version of Becaud’s song Marie Marie in her live shows.
This is a gorgeous display piece with a rare version of Dietrich’s autograph. Presented in an attractive 17.5 x 13.5 inch plastic frame with a gold border.
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