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Lot #1100
Marlene Dietrich

“My costumes were designed to make me look that way (a cheap, pudgy trollop)”

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Description

“My costumes were designed to make me look that way (a cheap, pudgy trollop)”

Two items: TLS, two pages, 8.25 x 11. In a letter to William K. Everson of the New School at the Museum of Modern Art, regarding his recent review of her Film Series 51, New York, Dietrich writes, in part: “You seem to wonder how it was possible that I appeared in the Film youx reviewed Die Frau Nach Der Man Sich Sehnt’ made in 1929—looking ‘slender and elegant’ and then, only one year later, appeared as the ‘plump and pudgy’ ‘Lola’ in the Film ‘Blue Angel.’ My costumes were designed to make me look that way (a cheap, pudgy trollop)…But, the most important element are the camera angles….Also, the lenses play a large part in achieving the goal the director is after…This letter is not meant to be a lesson…I only wanted to enlighten you and inform you that no human being can change in appearance in a few months to such an extent that you describe without the help of all the facts I mentioned above”; and a felt tip signature, “Many thanks—keep on doing it! Love, Marlene,” on a white 5 x 3.5 card. In fine condition, with scattered light creasing and a red ‘copied’ stamp to the top of the letter. Accompanied by two original mailing envelopes, one of which is addressed in Dietrich’s hand, and a letter featuring a printed signature. RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #383 - Ended February 15, 2012