Josef von Sternberg

Angel is a 1937 feature directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Marlene Dietrich … deserving of attention, at the very least, because it’s a film directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Marlene Dietrich.

“‘The Blue Angel’ is a tragic love story, charming, funny, and wonderfully acted and directed, and it now looks and sounds great in this pleasing high definition transfer.”

Underworld Directed by Josef von Sternberg United States, 1927 Josef von Sternberg’s pre-code gangster picture – the one that started it all – plays akin to the director’s vision throughout his career: hazy deep focus shots, sensuality that anticipates his collaborations with Marlene Dietrich, tough guy theatrics, and an eye for poetic framing.  Though its …

The Shanghai Gesture (1941) Directed by Josef von Sterberg The unabashed and almost flippant garishness of The Shanghai Gesture is what draws one in immediately. A dress isn’t just a dress, it is a lavish gown hung elegantly on the shoulders of Gene Tierney. A light bulb isn’t just a light bulb, it is one …