|
There are not many German film stars that were actual heroes of World War II, Marlene Dietrich certainly was one. She was born into a well-to-do family in Schöneberg, Berlin (1901). She studied violin as a youth but a wrist injury prevent a professional career. instead she was drawn toward acting and cabaret performance in Berlin’s vibrant pot-War nightlife. Director Josef von Sternberg discovered her (1929). Their films together were their best works. The was 'The Blue Angel' (1930). It made her a major star. She was soon in Hollywood making major hits. She was one of the highest-paid actresses of her era, known for her distinctive voice, shimmering demeanor, and style. She was Paramount's answer to MGM's Greta Garbo. After the Sternberg films she worked with major directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles. Hitler was a film buff and wanted her back to Germany. Propaganda Minister Goebbels who controlled the German film industry made her a very enticing offer. She would have nothing to do with the NAZIs, She had strong views on the NAZI dictatorship in Germany . She supported German and French exiles before Came entered the War. And once the War began, she was one of the most-high profile Hollywood stars supporting the War effort. She made radio broadcasts from London calling Hitler 'an idiot'. She recorded songs in German for the American Office of Strategic Services--the most important being 'Lili Narlene' which had become the iconic song of the War. She began selling War bonds (September 1942) and she sold more than any other Hollywood star. Then with GIs battling the Germans, she headed for the Front. She was there for the GIs. Her USO tours took her through Algeria, Italy, Britain, France, the Netherlands, and finally Germany. She was the first entertainer to reach the battered troops on Anzio. Her provocative performances brought criticism from back home, but not from the GIs. She slept in tents, under harsh conditions and suffered frostbite. She gave more than 500 performances. Famed director Billy Wilder quipped that she was at the front more than Ike. When asked why she did all this, she replied, 'Aus Anstand'--Out of decency.
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[Return to Main World War II A-L biography page]
[Return to Main World War II biography page]
[Return to Main World War II essay page]
[Biographies]
[Campaigns]
[Children]
[Countries]
[Deciding factors]
[Diplomacy]
[Geo-political crisis]
[Economics]
[Home front]
[Intelligence]
[POWs]
[Resistance]
[Race]
[Refugees]
[Technology]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Return to Main World War II page]
[Return to Main war essay page]
