Movie Screening & Discussion - The Blue Angel (1959)

Join Marcus Renna in the Scott Room for a screening and discussion of the 1959 drama The Blue Angel. Directed by Edward Dmytryk, written by Nigel Balchin, and starring Curd Jürgens, May Britt, and Theodore Bikel, The Blue Angel is a remake of the the classic 1930s German drama Der Blaue Engel, itself based on Heinrich Mann's 1905 novel Professor Unrat.

Professor Immaneul Rath (Curd Jürgens), a quarrelsome, moralizing, and reclusive teacher, spends his days in constant struggle with his students, none of whom like or respect their tyrannical instructor. Rath is outraged to discover that some of his students have been frequenting a nightclub and cabaret called The Blue Angel where the scandalous dancer Lola (May Britt) performs. He goes himself to The Blue Angel, determined to catch and punish the students for their wicked behavior, but encounters Lola instead and soon becomes ruinously infatuated and obsessed with her. Their romance ultimately costs Professor Rath his job, his savings, and his dignity.

The 1930 German film was one of the first feature-length sound films in Germany and brought Marlene Dietrich (who played Lola) international fame. The Blue Angel is an arresting and taut look at obsession and a sordid love affair.

The 1959 American The Blue Angel was never released on VHS or DVD. This screening is thanks to a conversion from Marcus's film reel copy. Don't miss this rare chance to see the movie!