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.
Johnny Wenn Du Geburtstag Hast
Marlene Dietrich Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
bin ich bei dir zu Gast die ganze Nacht.
Johnny, ich träume so viel von dir,
ach, komm doch mal zu mir
nachmittags um halb vier.
Johnny, wenn du Geburtstag hast
und mich dein Arm umfasst die ganze Nacht,
wenn du doch jeden Tag Geburtstag hätt'st.
The lyrics to Marlene Dietrich's song "Johnny Wenn Du Geburtstag Hast" express the longing and desire of a woman named Johnny for her lover who is celebrating his birthday. She declares that she will be with him all night, celebrating his special day, and dreaming of him in the daytime as well. The repetition of the name Johnny throughout the song adds to the sense of intimacy and passion between the two lovers.
When Johnny's arm encircles her, she says that it is the best feeling in the world, and she wishes that he could have a birthday every day so that she could feel that way all the time. The lyrics are full of romantic and sensual imagery, inviting listeners to imagine the intensity of their connection. The song communicates a deep desire for companionship and connection that reflects the human need for love and affection.
Overall, Marlene Dietrich's "Johnny Wenn Du Geburtstag Hast" is a passionate and emotive love song that resonates with listeners who crave intimacy and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny, wenn du Geburtstag hast,
Johnny, when it's your birthday,
bin ich bei dir zu Gast die ganze Nacht.
I'll be your guest for the whole night.
Johnny, ich träume so viel von dir,
Johnny, I dream so much of you,
ach, komm doch mal zu mir nachmittags um halb vier.
oh, come to me at half past three in the afternoon.
Johnny, wenn du Geburtstag hast
Johnny, when it's your birthday
und mich dein Arm umfasst die ganze Nacht,
and your arms hold me all night,
Johnny, dann denke ich noch zuletzt,
Johnny, then I think lastly,
wenn du doch jeden Tag Geburtstag hätt'st.
if only you had a birthday every day.
Writer(s): Hollander Copyright: GEMA
Contributed by Elliot D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.