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Although their relationship did not have the vitriol of that of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, a certain froideur seems to have existed between Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, despite, or perhaps because of, the numerous similarities in their lives and careers. Following early success in European silent cinema, each was lured to Hollywood, the German Dietrich to Paramount while the Swedish Garbo signed with MGM.
Although the studios may initially have planned to set the two up as rivals for audiences’ affections, instead they became icons, two of the most influential and imitated performers not just in classical Hollywood, but in the history of cinema, responsible for indelible imagery and enduring quotes. In some ways, their appeal and personae mirrored each other: while Dietrich openly defied gender norms and did not suppress her sexuality, Garbo retained a mystique that fuelled her allure; and while Garbo loathed the trappings of stardom and constantly strove to maintain her privacy, the outspoken and political Dietrich used her fame to entertain the troops during WWII.
As their fortunes waxed and waned, Garbo stepped off the publicity treadmill while Dietrich found other avenues for her talents. Throughout their careers, and despite having so much in common, it was not unknown for the two to throw subtle barbs at each other and each always claimed, somewhat dubiously, to never have even met. Regardless, the two will remain inextricably linked as two of cinema’s most glamorous and era-defining stars with an enduring legacy both on- and off-screen.
Season notes by Kevin Coyne.
Supported by the Goethe-Institut Irland.
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28 YEARS LATER 13:00, 15:35, 20:45
ARCHIVE AT LUNCHTIME: MASS APPEAL (PROGRAMME ONE) 12:50
CAL 13:40
HIDDEN (CACHÉ) 18:10 (French Film Club)
IRISH FOCUS: MAKING DUST 18.30
THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND 16:00, 20:40
THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME 16:10, 20:30
TORNADO 13:50
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