The Blue Angel (1930) is a classic film directed by Josef von Sternberg, based on the novel “Professor Unrat” by Heinrich Mann.
This iconic movie is famous for its captivating story, unforgettable performances, and its exploration of the human psyche.
In this article, we will delve into the world of The Blue Angel, providing an in-depth look at the book and movie summary, a parent guide, and interesting insights into the characters, setting, and other aspects of this timeless masterpiece.
Book summary: Professor Unrat by Heinrich Mann
“Professor Unrat” is a novel written by Heinrich Mann, first published in 1905.
The story revolves around Immanuel Rath, a strict and conservative high school teacher in a small German town.
Professor Rath is nicknamed “Unrat” (meaning “filth” or “garbage”) by his students due to his harsh demeanor and uncompromising attitude.
One day, Rath discovers that his students are frequenting a local nightclub called “The Blue Angel,” where they are infatuated with a cabaret singer named Lola Lola.
Rath decides to confront Lola and put an end to his students’ immoral behavior.
However, Rath himself becomes infatuated with Lola and starts a relationship with her, leading to his downfall and ultimate disgrace.
The novel explores themes of social hypocrisy, moral corruption, and the power dynamics between men and women.
Movie summary: The Blue Angel (1930)
The Blue Angel is a German film directed by Josef von Sternberg, released in 1930.
It is an adaptation of Heinrich Mann’s novel, Professor Unrat, and stars Emil Jannings as Professor Rath and Marlene Dietrich as Lola Lola.
The movie is considered one of the first major German sound films and helped launch Marlene Dietrich’s international career.
In the film, Professor Rath becomes infatuated with Lola Lola and, in his obsession, abandons his career and reputation to be with her.
Lola eventually marries Rath, but she continues her flirtatious ways and humiliates him in front of his former colleagues.
The movie ends with Rath’s tragic demise, a broken and defeated man.
Parent guide: Is The Blue Angel suitable for children?
The Blue Angel is a film that deals with adult themes, such as obsession, moral corruption, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Due to the mature content and some suggestive scenes, it may not be suitable for young children.
However, older teenagers and adults can appreciate the film’s complex characters and timeless themes.
When and where The Blue Angel takes place
The events of both the novel and the film adaptation of The Blue Angel take place in early 20th century Germany, in a small provincial town.
The story revolves around the conservative society of the time and highlights the rigid social norms and expectations that drive the characters’ actions.
The Blue Angel film locations
The Blue Angel was filmed primarily in Berlin, Germany, at the UFA Studios. Some exterior shots were also filmed on location in the city.
The movie’s setting and atmosphere convey the decadence and excesses of the Weimar Republic era in Germany, which adds to the overall impact of the story.
Who’s who: Characters and cast
The Blue Angel features a talented cast of actors who bring the complex characters to life. The main characters and their respective actors are:
- Professor Immanuel Rath: Emil Jannings
- Lola Lola: Marlene Dietrich
- Mazeppa: Rosa Valetti
- Kiepert: Kurt Gerron
- Angst: Hans Albers
These unforgettable performances contribute to the film’s lasting impact and its status as a classic piece of cinema.
Memorable quotes from The Blue Angel
The Blue Angel is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the characters and their relationships.
Some of the most notable quotes include:
- “I’ve no use for a man I can’t trust.” – Lola Lola
- “Love is the only thing that interests me.” – Professor Rath
- “I’m just a poor, weak woman, but I’ll always be true to you.” – Lola Lola
These quotes reflect the characters’ desires, motivations, and ultimately their tragic flaws.
The soundtrack by Friedrich Hollaender: A musical overview
The Blue Angel features an original soundtrack composed by Friedrich Hollaender, a renowned German composer.
The music of the film perfectly complements the story’s themes and atmosphere, with songs such as “Falling in Love Again” and “Naughty Lola” becoming timeless classics.
Curiosities and intriguing insights about The Blue Angel
The Blue Angel is a film rich in intriguing insights and curiosities.
Some fascinating facts about the movie include:
- Marlene Dietrich’s role as Lola Lola in The Blue Angel catapulted her to international stardom, and she went on to have a successful Hollywood career.
- The film was released in two versions, one in German and one in English, with the actors performing their lines in both languages.
- The Blue Angel is considered one of the earliest examples of German Expressionism in film, a movement characterized by its use of symbolism, distorted visuals, and emotional intensity.
Tips for cosplay: Dress like your favorite characters
For those interested in dressing up as characters from The Blue Angel, consider these tips for creating a memorable costume:
- For Lola Lola: A sequined gown or flapper dress, a feather boa, a headpiece with feathers, and fishnet stockings.
- For Professor Rath: A tweed suit, a bow tie, round glasses, and a pocket watch.
Heinrich Mann: Biography and other works
Heinrich Mann (1871-1950) was a German novelist and essayist, known for his social critiques and provocative works.
Born in Lübeck, Germany, he was the older brother of the famous writer Thomas Mann. In addition to “Professor Unrat,” Heinrich Mann’s works include “Der Untertan” (The Patrioteer) and “Der Kopf” (The Chief).
The Blue Angel’s ending explained
The Blue Angel’s tragic ending sees Professor Rath losing everything: his job, his reputation, and his dignity.
His obsession with Lola Lola leads him down a path of self-destruction, culminating in his humiliation and ultimate demise.
The film’s ending serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of obsession and the consequences of moral corruption.
Remakes, sequels, andspin-offs of The Blue Angel
The Blue Angel has been adapted several times over the years, with some notable remakes, sequels, and spin-offs including:
- The Blue Angel (1959): a musical remake starring Curt Jurgens and May Britt, directed by Edward Dmytryk.
- Lola (1981): a French film directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, which serves as a loose sequel to The Blue Angel, with Barbara Sukowa playing Lola Lola.
- Blue Angel Cafe (1989): a film directed by Joe D’Amato, which takes its inspiration from the original story but sets it in a modern-day American context.
These adaptations explore similar themes and characters as the original, but each brings its unique twist to the story.
Other media by Josef von Sternberg: A filmography guide
Josef von Sternberg was a prolific filmmaker, and in addition to The Blue Angel, he directed several other notable films throughout his career.
Some of his other films include:
- Morocco (1930): starring Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper
- Shanghai Express (1932): starring Marlene Dietrich and Anna May Wong
- The Scarlet Empress (1934): starring Marlene Dietrich and John Lodge
Each of these films features von Sternberg’s distinctive style, which combines lavish visuals, complex characters, and nuanced storytelling.
Similar media to The Blue Angel: Films and books to explore
For those who enjoy The Blue Angel‘s themes and atmosphere, there are several other films and books that are worth exploring.
Some similar media include:
- Cabaret (1972): a musical film set in 1930s Berlin, starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey.
- The Great Gatsby (1925): a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which explores the decadence and excesses of the Roaring Twenties.
- The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890): a novel by Oscar Wilde, which examines the destructive nature of obsession and vanity.
These works share similar themes of obsession, moral decay, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Other works by Heinrich Mann: A literary journey
For those interested in exploring more of Heinrich Mann’s literary works, some notable novels and essays include:
- Der Untertan (The Patrioteer)
- Der Untergang (The Decline)
- Henri Quatre (Henry IV)
Each of these works provides a unique perspective on German society and culture, and highlights Mann’s keen observations and critiques.
Book club questions for Professor Unrat and The Blue Angel
For book clubs interested in discussing Professor Unrat and The Blue Angel, some questions to consider include:
- How does the novel and the film adaptation explore themes of moral decay and the consequences of one’s actions?
- What role do gender and power dynamics play in the story, and how do the characters navigate these dynamics?
- How does the setting of early 20th century Germany add to the story’s impact and atmosphere?
- What is the significance of Lola Lola’s character, and how does she contribute to the story’s themes?
Video games inspired by The Blue Angel
While there are no video games directly inspired by The Blue Angel, some games that explore similar themes include:
- L.A. Noire: a detective game set in 1940s Los Angeles, which explores themes of corruption and moral decay.
- Bioshock Infinite: a first-person shooter game set in an alternate version of early 20th century America, which examines the consequences of unchecked power and obsession.
Travel guide: Visiting The Blue Angel film locations
For those interested in visiting the film locations of The Blue Angel, some notable places to visit include:
- UFA Studios in Berlin: where most of the film was shot
- The Blue Angel nightclub location: now the site of a shopping center in Berlin
- The city of Lubeck: the birthplace of Heinrich Mann, which inspired the setting of the novel
Conclusion
The Blue Angel (1930) is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences today.
Its exploration of themes such as obsession, moral decay, and the consequences of one’s actions, make it a thought-provoking and powerful work of art.
Whether through the novel, the film adaptation, or other media inspired by it, The Blue Angel remains a must-see for cinema and literature lovers alike.
