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.
My Blue Heaven
Marlene Dietrich Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hurry to my Blue Heaven
Turn to the right, there's a little white light
Will lead you to my Blue Heaven
You'll see a smilin' face, a fireplace, a cozy room
Little nest that nestles where the roses bloom
Molly and me, and the baby makes three
We're happy in my, in my Blue Heaven
And a little nest nestled where the roses bloom
Just Molly and me, and the baby is three
We're so happy in my Blue Heaven
We're happy in my Blue Heaven
We're happy in my Blue Heaven!
The lyrics to Marlene Dietrich's song My Blue Heaven paints a picture of a peaceful and idyllic life with a loved one and a child. The opening line sets the tone of the song by evoking the atmosphere of a calming evening with the sound of whippoorwills calling. The singer of the song invites the listener to hurry to their "Blue Heaven," a place where they find comfort, joy, and a sense of home.
The lyrics go on to describe the beauty of the place, with a little white light signaling the way to a cozy room and a smiling face. The description of a nest nestled among blooming roses conjures up an image of a safe and comfortable abode. The song implies that the singer has found true happiness in this place, which is shared with their partner and child.
The repeated refrain of "We're happy in my Blue Heaven" solidifies the central message of the song, emphasizing the blissful state of the singer's life. The lyrics speak to the desire for a peaceful and fulfilling existence with a loved one, with a child filling the empty spaces with love and laughter. Overall, Marlene Dietrich's My Blue Heaven is a heartfelt and nostalgic love song that captures the essence of domestic bliss.
Line by Line Meaning
Whippoorwills call, evenin' is nigh
As the whippoorwills begin to call and the evening approaches, it's time to head to my Blue Heaven.
Hurry to my Blue Heaven
There's an urgency to get to my Blue Heaven.
Turn to the right, there's a little white light
Look for the little white light to the right to guide you to my Blue Heaven.
Will lead you to my Blue Heaven
The little white light will guide you to my Blue Heaven.
You'll see a smilin' face, a fireplace, a cozy room
Upon arriving at my Blue Heaven, you'll be greeted with smiling faces, a warm fireplace, and a comfortable room.
Little nest that nestles where the roses bloom
My Blue Heaven is a small, cozy place surrounded by beautiful and blooming roses.
Molly and me, and the baby makes three
In my Blue Heaven, it's just me, my partner Molly, and our little baby.
We're happy in my, in my Blue Heaven
Being in my Blue Heaven brings us joy and contentment.
You're gonna see a smilin' face, fireplace, cozy room
Again, upon arrival at my Blue Heaven, you'll be met with smiling faces, a warm fireplace, and a comfortable room.
And a little nest nestled where the roses bloom
My Blue Heaven is still that small, cozy place surrounded by beautiful and blooming roses.
Just Molly and me, and the baby is three
Once more, my partner Molly, our little baby, and I are the only ones in my Blue Heaven.
We're so happy in my Blue Heaven
The happiness we feel in my Blue Heaven is indescribable.
We're happy in my Blue Heaven
This line is a repeat of the previous line, reiterating the happiness we feel in my Blue Heaven.
Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO
Written by: George Whiting, Walter Donaldson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind