Marlene Dietrich: The Life

This bio of Marlene Dietrich (MD) by her daughter Maria Rivas is 790 pages - a lot to review. The book is based on Rivas's long-time, intimate relationship with her mother, her own diaries, MD's diaries, her father's diaries, newspaper and critics' reports - plus, copies of MD's personal correspondence (she always made a copy of everything, knowing that Rivas would some day write her bio). MD was a great star; the American Film Institute ranked her 9th among the greatest actresses of all time. She began her career as an actress in Germany, then Hollywood, and then later she performed in Las Vegas, night clubs and other venues as a singer, performing all over the globe. The book is interesting because she was a great celebrity and constantly active for some 6 decades. She was also a maverick in many respects: she wore men's clothing, she was bi-sexual, her husband and she had an 'open' marriage, which allowed her to pursue liaisons with anyone, anywhere - but usually with celebrities like herself - actors, singers, politicians, generals, movie makers, writers, etc. She lived constantly on the road in hotels or in other accommodations provided by friends. She earned big money and she was very generous with it. She read voraciously - in at least 3 languages - and maintained that 'the more you read, the better it gets!'. She had a lot to say about men and sex (trust me!). She eventually became very opinionated about most subjects, a chronic complainer in general, and brutally frank and free with her criticism of others (Wallis Simpson, for example, 'must have been 'very good' to land a king!). She became a student of her profession and eventually an accepted authority on most subjects related to it - costumes, make-up, coiffure, lighting, sound, jewelry, diet, etc.. American movies, she remarked, are mainly about 'little people with little problems - all presented like big dramas!'. Movie making, she maintained, was simply about making films. If well attended, you were engaged to make another, and vice-versa. She believed in the powers of astrologers and often conferred with one before making a serious decision regarding her career or travel. She lived more regally than the average queen and usually travelled with some 40 suitcases. She basked in the glory of her own celebrity. She thought people should do whatever makes them happy, live life to the fullest, with no limitations, and that's what she did. Eventually she began to suffer some aches and pains, which resulted in her eventually becoming an out-of-control alcoholic and drug addict. With her contacts and her money she was able to obtain any medications she wanted. When friends complained about their physical problems, MD would 'prescribe' something, buy it and mail it to them. Rivas feared that her mother would one day be arrested for distributing illegal drugs - but that never happened, because MD was basically above the law. MD's favorite role, she maintained, was entertaining the front-line troops in Europe during WWII with the USO. To facilitate her travels in the war zone she was given the rank of captain and she travelled in her army uniform. Her wartime performances won for her many, many new fans and the highest possible civilian awards from the U.S. and French governments. MD's bio offers much to admire and much to criticize, perhaps, but both make for interesting reading. Enjoy! Rolland Amos, Severn MD

This biography first came out after Mommy Dearest and other mother-bashing bios were published. This one is different because you don't feel the outrage from a child, but instead the calm rational thoughts of a sober adult. Still, the effect is just as chilling. Marlene lives only for her public, her image, and her lovers. The rest are disposable, including her grandchildren. But you end up admiring this staunch, formidable women as she struggles with old age and illness. Every page is a gossipy delight as we learn too much about her costars and lovers: John Wayne refused to join her male stable; Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was the Knight whom Marlene courted in London and Hollywood; Maurice Chevalier, Jean Gabin, Brian Aherne, and Michael Wilding were devoted slaves to her every wish--at least between marriages. Marlene is a surprise as well--intellectual, superstitious, stoic, and visually creative. You might even have a laugh or two because Marlene can be hilarious as she rattles to her daughter about people's handicaps. Highly recommended.

A fascinating book about the life of a famous movie star written by her daughter. Her daughter is caught between love and hate and admiration and envy of her famous Mother. Marlene Dietrich certainly lived a tumultuous lifestyle starting out in Bohemian Berlin between the two World Wars, onto the heyday of Hollywood in the 30s, and dangerous times during World War II. Somehow the mystique about Marlene is still here today, and it is all because she knew how to manage her career long before professional women were common. Her ideas about bringing up children are certainly not acceptable today, but nevertheless, her daughter seems to have thrived during her lifetime.

This is a jaw dropping life story of a movie star more famous than I'd realized. I am close to Maria's age, but had seen few - if any - of Dietrich's movies. About half the way through the book, I became more curious to learn about Maria's life than her mother's. She kept my attention to the end of the book. Very well written.

The book is written by Ms. District's daughter, who was an only child. An amazing amount of detail into Marlene Dietrich's life is provided and is a must read for fans of Dietrich and early days of movie making. Book also is about Maria, the daughter and author, describing life living with a diva and the unusual relationships of her parents. Not an easy life for a child, but was her 'normal'. At a young age she takes on role of caretaker for her mother, knowing when and how to walk the egg shells to cause least amount of disruption to her mother, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way as teen by her mother. Author rebounds from her rough teen years to find love, family and happiness while caring for her elderly parents in their declining health and death.

An intriguing expose on this diva/demon and her extraordinary magnetism for celebrities of all sexes. Maria Riva gives the inside track on her mother as a confusingly selfish denizen of smother love and 'treat 'em and street em' friendship and sexual politics. Told from an 'I' perspective which still manages to be dispassionately objective - ,many myths exploded, a few confirmed, and some imploded. Dietrich's life covered a massive swathe of historical and cultural events through the 1900s. Riveting.

This was an emotional rollercoaster. I went from liking her to admiring her to hating her to pitying her over and over again. Marlene was definitely not a nice woman, in fact she was pretty terrible but the way her daughter writes this biography you can't help but keep turning page after page to see more truth. Also the insights into how old Hollywood worked and how films were done back then in fascinating. I can't stop thinking about poor Tami and the strength that Maria Riva has.

This book is actually quite good, but not because it's about Marlene Dietrich but because the writing is good. It tells you about Dietrich having an affair with Yul Brynner before he appears in 'The Ten Commandments' in 1956. Quite frankly, I can't see what a married man in his 30s with his whole career ahead of him is doing with a woman in her 50s. She didn't like working with Edward G. Robinson, Ray Milland or Alfred Hitchcock.There is some humour in Maria Riva's unvarnished portrayal of her mother. On page 807 she tells her mother that Charles Boyer has died. Dietrich replies: 'Oh, him. I thought he was dead long ago.' She then hangs up the phone.Although Dietrich turns out to be an unlikable woman in this book, you do get a sense of both mother and daughter.

Very interesting book on a very complex woman by her daughter . I can now understand why she wrote it and put the record straight on a few things . The end is rather sad but honest .

In depth biography with a clear narrative as to Dietrich's life and her relationships seen through her daughters eyes. Maria Riva was ideally placed to experience the unique contribution to the arts, music, film, fashion, photography made by her mother to the 20th Century.

Very candid story of an extremely troubled woman.

Fantastic story of Marlene Dietrich's life. Delighted I bought this book.

fab read.

A very interesting biography.Well written.Ms.Dietrich was obviously a talented,hard working and very beautiful woman.Those close to her shared her luxurious life style and her generosity.How sad that in the end the most private details of her personal life were mercilessly exposed by her only child.However, Marlene's legacy is a lasting one ,and will outshine that of her detractors.May she rest in peace.

Beautifully written, fascinating book.

I read this book with great interest; it was a sneak peek into the lives of not just Marlene D. but also her friends, lovers and other famous Hollywood persons of the time. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I took away from it great empathy for the author. That she has done so well for herself in spite of the fact she was Marlene's daughter speaks to the success she has had in overcoming a life lived through her mother. Bottom line, her mother may have been famous but she was no mother as we define that word. Kudos to daughter Maria, a woman who has given us much more than films.

Dietrich is remembered by her only child-Maria Riva. Brutally honest; there are no secrets. Dietrich comes alive-Movie star, Daughter, Wife, Lover and her most devoted role-Mother.

I usually avoid biographies written by family members but Dietrich's daughter tells her mother's story warts and all. And she is an excellent writer to boot. Highly recommended.

Fascinating! What a life she led. So many fascinating friends and lovers. Such a fascinating character, and way of life. Beautifully written.

Well written account of both her and early Hollywood.