Marlene was known in school for her "bedroom eyes" and her first affairs were at this stage in her life - a professor at the school was terminated.
Marlene enjoyed music and attended concerts. She was adept at playing the violin and piano. By the time she was in her mid-teens, Marlene had discovered the stage. Acting was to be her vocation. In 1921, Marlene applied for an acting school run by Max Reinhardt. She was accepted. She appeared in several stage productions, but never had more than a couple of spoken lines. In short, she wasn't setting the stage world on fire.
She attempted films for the first time in 1922 Her first film was So sind die Männer (The Little Napoleon) (1923) which was followed by Tragödie der Liebe (Love Tragedy) (1923). On this last project, she met Rudolf Sieber and married him in 1924. The union lasted until his death in 1976 although they didn't live together the whole time.
The remainder of her early film career was generally filled with bit roles. After being seen in the German production of Der blaue Engel (The Blue Angel) (1930) in 1930, Marlene was given a crack at Hollywood. Her first US film was Morocco (1930) with Gary Cooper, which was followed by Dishonored (1931). This latter movie had her cast as a street walker who is appointed a spy. The film was rather boring but was a success because of Marlene's presence. In 1932, Marlene filmed Shanghai Express (1932) which proved to be immensely popular, grossing $3 million. Once again, she was cast as a prostitute. The next film was Blonde Venus (1932) which turned out to be a horrible production. Her co-star was Cary Grant and once again she was cast as a prostitute.
During this period Dietrich had been typecast as a woman of low morals and she wanted different parts. Her chance came in 1939 in Destry Rides Again (1939) when she was cast as "Frenchy", a Western saloon hostess. This began a new direction for Marlene since it shed the previous typecasting. All through the 1940s, she appeared in well-produced, well-directed films such as Manpower (1942), The Spoilers (1942), The Lady Is Willing (1942) and Pittsburgh (1942).
Afterwards the roles came less frequently, perhaps one to two films every year. In 1945, Marlene didn't appear in any. She only made seven productions in the 1950's. Her last role of any substance was Judgment at Nuremberg (1961). Despite the lack of theatrical roles, Marlene still made appearances on the stage. However, by 1979, she was a shell of her former self. After breaking her leg in one performance, she never made a go of it in show business again.
Spending the last 12 years of her life bed-ridden, Marlene died on May 6, 1992 in Paris, France of kidney failure at the age of 90.
Falling In Love Again from Blue Angel
Marlene Dietrich Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
I can't help it
Love's always been my game
Play it how I may
I was made that way
Men cluster to me
Like moths around a flame
And if their wings burn
I know I'm not to blame
Falling in love again
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
I just can't help it
The song "Falling in Love Again" by Marlene Dietrich can be viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of love. The lyrics suggest that the singer has fallen in love against her will and is powerless to stop it. She laments that love is always "her game" and she was "made that way," suggesting that she is trapped in a pattern of falling in love. She also acknowledges that men are drawn to her, but that their attraction is dangerous, like moths around a flame. Despite this, she cannot help but fall in love again, even though she never wanted to.
The song can also be viewed as a commentary on the nature of love itself. The singer seems to suggest that love is a force that is beyond human control, something that can't be helped or avoided. This idea is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "I can't help it" throughout the song. The singer seems to be resigned to this fact, despite the pain and heartache that love has caused her in the past. Overall, the song is a powerful reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of love and the dangers of giving in to its allure.
Line by Line Meaning
Falling in love again
Feeling the same intense emotions of love once again
Never wanted to
I never planned to fall in love again
What am I to do?
What course of action can I take to prevent falling in love once more?
I can't help it
It's a force beyond my control
Love's always been my game
Love has been a predominant aspect of my life
Play it how I may
Regardless of how I approach or handle love, it remains prominent
I was made that way
I was born with the ability or inclination to love strongly and passionately
I can't help it
It's not within my power to resist love
Men cluster to me
Men are attracted to me
Like moths around a flame
Drawn to me regardless of the potential consequences
And if their wings burn
If they are harmed or hurt in the process of loving me
I know I'm not to blame
I am not responsible for the harm they experience
Falling in love again
Feeling the same intense emotions of love once again
Never wanted to
I never planned to fall in love again
What am I to do?
What course of action can I take to prevent falling in love once more?
I just can't help it
I am powerless against the overwhelming emotions of love
Lyrics © ESTATE OF DOROTHY D LERNER DBA SAMUEL M. LERNER PUBLICATIONS, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRIEDRICH HOLLAENDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shhh! I'm Watching Silent Films.
Still one of Marlene's greatest scenes! It's truly timeless.☺
Linda Viscuglia
On going forever marlene!!
Onlymusical
That's Germany's most acclaimed actor, Emil Jannings, creeping around backstage. He won the first Academy Award for Best Actor. Marlene Dietrich's body looked better here than anywhere else I've seen her.
Lilla Kertész
love her:)
vintagehaynesflute
Funny how she sang this as a vamp song, a warning to men but then towards the end of her career it was more of a melancholy sad song.
Ev Ja
Das Lied schrieb Friedrich Hollaender ein großer Musiker!!!!!!Marlene singt es wunderschõn!!
kamarza
I LOVE YOU MARLENE
kyrastube
just one thing. if the actress you speak of was swedish, her name must have been majbritt. I am a swede and have never seen the speling mai or mae used here. and if you are interested, maj is also the swedish name for the month may.
Jayne Mansfield
Thanks so much, for helping me figure this question out. I've wondered what ever happened to May for years.
KaivonLangeloh
Die Schlußszene des Films. Marlene auf der Schwelle nach Hollywood, zu einer Weltkarriere.