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.
Still war die Nacht
Marlene Dietrich Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Still war die Nacht, als sie ihr Kind gebar -
In Betlehem, wo sie ein Obdach fan,
In Betlehem, wo seine Krippe stand.
In dieser Nacht erschien am Himmelszelt,
Ein neuer Stern, da wusste alle Welt,
In dieser Nacht, als sie den Stern gesehn,
Still war die Nacht, der Himmel sternenklar.
Still war die Nacht, als sie ihr Kinde gebar.
Seit dieser Nacht, da wird für groß und klein,
In dieser Nacht auf Erden Weihnacht sein.
The lyrics of Marlene Dietrich's song "Still war die Nacht" describe the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The first verse sets the scene of the peaceful and starry night in which Mary gave birth to her child in a stable, where his manger stood. The second stanza tells of the appearance of a new star in the sky, and the knowledge that this was a sign of a great event. The last verse reaffirms that since that night, Christmas has been celebrated by people around the world, both young and old.
The song's lyrics convey the spiritual significance of Christmas, emphasizing the wonder and awe inspired by the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem. The quiet, peaceful tone of the song reflects the reverence and humility with which this momentous event is remembered each year. In addition, the simple, straightforward language used in the song makes it accessible and relatable to a broad audience.
Line by Line Meaning
Still war die Nacht, der Himmel sternenklar.
The night was quiet and serene, with a starry sky above.
Still war die Nacht, als sie ihr Kind gebar -
The night was silent when she gave birth to her child.
In Betlehem, wo sie ein Obdach fand,
She found shelter in Bethlehem.
In Betlehem, wo seine Krippe stand.
Her child was born in a manger in Bethlehem.
In dieser Nacht erschien am Himmelszelt,
A new star appeared in the sky that night.
Ein neuer Stern, da wusste alle Welt,
Everyone knew that the appearance of the new star meant something important.
In dieser Nacht, als sie den Stern gesehn,
When they saw the star that night,
In dieser Nacht, ein Wunder war geschehn.
They knew that a miracle had occurred that night.
Seit dieser Nacht, da wird für groß und klein,
Since that night, Christmas is celebrated by both the young and the old.
In dieser Nacht auf Erden Weihnacht sein.
That night on Earth was the beginning of Christmas.
Writer(s): Olias
Contributed by Jake Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.