Comedy, Horror, and Drama (1936-1953)

“I’m not an actress. I’m a personality.”

Marlene Dietrich was best known for her movie parts as a femme fatale and lady of the night. She began her career as a cabaret singer in her native Berlin in the 1920s, when she was in her 20s. Her first big break came when she was spotted by Josef von Sternberg in a cabaret in 1929, who invited her to do a screen test for his film, Der Blaue Engel (The Blue Angel). After starring in this successful film, von Sternberg escorted Marlene to Hollywood. She went on to make many successful films, the first being Morocco. After a short while, she became the top paid actress of her time. Marlene then became a US citizen in 1937. After many films of being type-cast as a shady lady, she was excited to expand her acting skills. She did so in the western film, Destry Rides Again, in 1939.

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During WWII, Marlene was greatly outspoken against the Nazis. She was one of the first Hollywoodians to help raise money for the war effort through the sale of war bonds. During the war, she went on long USO tours with Danny Thomas, even touring on the front lines for troops in Germany. After the war, she made fewer films and began focusing on live performances from Las Vegas to Broadway. She lived to be 90, and died in Paris of natural causes.

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This collection features Marlene’s appearances in radio during the height of her career. It includes her roles in both comedic and more serious programs. From Burns and Allen to Lux Radio Theater to Suspense, Marlene’s appearances in this collection span several decades and many genres.