The Blue Angel (Marlene Dietrich)

REVIEW
Jannings seems a paragon of order and control, a diligent and respected schoolteacher who commands attention and obedience. But behind this facade is a repressed man, a man so needy for simple human contact that he falls prey to the almost violent sensuality of Lola-Lola (Dietrich, in the role which brought her international recognition), an earthy cabaret singer. He exchanges his security for the illusion of warmth and caring, and pays for his obsession with every shred of dignity and purpose he'd ever attained. Jannings is devastating, Dietrich is mesmerizing and von Sternberg guides the performers through Expressionistic set designs with a sure hand and an unerring eye for human foibles. A film worthy of its classic status.