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.
Taking a chance on love
Marlene Dietrich Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
Marlene Dietrich's "Taking a Chance on Love" is an energetic song about taking a leap of faith in love. The opening line "Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The brass section plays a prominent role in the composition and reflects the boldness of the lyrics. Dietrich sings of risking it all, ignoring past failures or fears, knowing that love can be a fickle game. She mentions how she never thought she could win; now, she's embracing the game with confidence. She's optimistic and hopeful, even though she has no control over the outcome.
The line "I walk around with a horseshoe, in clover I lie" suggests that the singer is lucky in love, and things are going her way. She's confident in herself and her ability to take risks and come out on top. The following line "brother rabbit, of course, you better kiss your foot goodbye" implies that even the luckiest of animals cannot match up to her good fortune.
Overall, the lyrics of "Taking a Chance on Love" are about embracing the unexpected, trusting yourself, and taking a chance. It's an up-tempo love song that encourages listeners to put their hearts on the line and take a leap of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
Once more, I am filled with excitement as I hear the happy sounds of trumpets playing, urging me on to take a chance on love.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
My heart is bursting with joy and radiance as I once again dare to gamble everything on the possibility of love being reciprocated.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Like a daring adventurer, I brace myself for the thrill of courting love, ready to take whatever journey that might entail.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
As I am captivated once again by the beauty and mystery of love, I am filled with a sense of wonder and enchantment.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
In the past, I suspected that the game of love was rigged against me, and I was hesitant to even participate.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
But now, I am boldly embracing the game of love, and I believe there is a high chance that I might win the ultimate prize of a true and happy romance.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
I can sense that things are improving and the colors of my life are blending beautifully together, promising a brighter and more hopeful future.
We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
With love on our side, I believe that our story will end on a happy and fulfilling note, no matter what obstacles we face.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
Despite the risks and uncertainties, I am once more setting out on that same journey of falling in love.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
I am filled with the same determination, intensity and passion that I had before for taking that bold step and risking everything for love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
I am reminded once more that love is a powerful force that can make a person feel truly alive and capable of great things.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
With confidence and optimism, I am fully enjoying the moments and feeling more in sync with my surroundings, as I take a chance on love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
I feel lucky and blessed with good fortune, as if I am carrying a horseshoe for luck and resting in a field of clovers.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
Any obstacles or challenges that come my way seem small and insignificant as I am filled with a sense of invincibility and good luck.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
Still, I am mindful of the risks and the inevitable heartbreak that comes with taking a gamble on love, and I am well aware that I might end up failing once more.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
Nevertheless, I am determined to pour my heart and soul into the pursuit of love, and to give it my all once again, no matter the outcome.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Latouche, Ted Fetter, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind