The role for which Dietrich received her sole Oscar nomination, Morocco was the first of six American collaborations with director Josef von Sternberg, who came with her from Europe following The Blue Angel. The film that launched her in America sees her as Amy, another nightclub headliner, who falls for a French Legionnaire (Gary Cooper). Their affair is complicated by suitor Adolphe Menjou’s pursuit of her, and his clandestine relationship with the wife of his commanding officer. The film famously features the androgynous Dietrich subverting sexual roles by performing in a tuxedo, and, shockingly, kissing a woman on the lips.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the Dietrich X Garbo Season.