Probably better known today for the fact that it was Marlene Dietrich’s first “talkie”, The Blue Angel is certainly more than just that. Based on Heinrich Mann’s novel “Professor Unrat”, adapted for the sceeen by Carl Zuckmayer, Josef von Sternberg directed an effective tale of one man’s decline.
Emil Jannings is Professor Immanuel Rath, a somewhat pompous but respected teacher. During one of his well-rehearsed lessons he comes across a postcard, via a student’s text book, which shows a somewhat risqué picture of a lady. It turns out the card has come from a club which he is sure several of his students frequent. So begins his search to catch them red-handed and deliver his full wrath upon them.
Marlene Dietrich appears as Lola-Lola, star turn at The Blue Angel club, and Rath falls hopelessly in love with the entertainer, and although she doesn’t by any means discourage this, she also doesn’t feel she should become exclusively his. Rath is then discovered at this seedy dive and with his reputation as a teacher in tatters; he has little choice but to join the rest of the company of The Blue Angel and travel with them to survive.
Von Sternberg’s use of chiaroscuro lighting perfectly frames Rath’s pitiful downfall and I felt genuine sorrow for what had befallen him. Dietrich’s amazing aura is emphasized by excellent use of softer lighting and the character is further symbolically empowered by shots which highlight her position above Rath.
Restored by Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung and presented in HD, The Blue Angel still retains the authenticity of the original 35mm print with some graininess, minimal enhancement and the important light and dark contrasts are not smothered during the restoration.
Among the bonus material is an enjoyable screen test whereby Dietrich performs songs from the film with a rather “unfortunate” piano player. There are clips of an elderly Dietrich singing, a commentary with historian Tony Rayns, and a booklet. There two versions of the film: in English and German. I chose English subtitles with German dialogue, which I found to give a more original feel to the viewing experience.
The Blue Angel has been awarded four Torches of Truth
