02 July 2011

Who's Afraid of Marlene Dietrich?

Here's Marlene Dietrich in her shiny black rain jacket with her "pet hate" Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Although Taylor appears either awe-stricken or amused by the legend standing before her, Dietrich seemingly ignores Taylor--perhaps exchanging Richard Burton's furtive glance? According to the account quoted here, both ladies unsheathed their claws, with Taylor emerging victorious. That didn't stop Dietrich--always such a gracious competitor--from generously bestowing Taylor with her title as the world's most glamorous grandmother.

7 comments:

  1. Unknown02 July, 2011 16:06

    Fantastic photo, would love to know if that's what they really said to one another.

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  2. Anonymous03 July, 2011 01:42

    Maria quotes things differently in her book.Paul

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  3. Joseph04 July, 2011 22:29

    I'm more inclined to believe this version of the story because it would explain why Dietrich called Taylor "that bitch" in the account quoted by Riva. I do appreciate that Riva acknowledged "the Australian"'s presence, though, which makes Dietrich's flirting even more amusingly salacious.

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  4. Goop07 July, 2011 12:57

    Marlene Dietrich on the set of Manpower in 1941 in a portrait by Laszlo Willinger

    http://i51.tinypic.com/2uiabkk.jpg

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  5. The Lady Eve12 July, 2011 21:47

    Elizabeth Taylor had a gorgeous face and some film acting ability - but an awful speaking voice and a body that did not last past her 20s. Marlene Dietrich had a face, a body that lasted for decades, more acting talent than has been credited, + a most fascinating voice. Both may be considered film goddesses and both were stridently and admirably philanthropic (MD re: WWII, ET re: AIDS). At the time this photo was taken, Liz was still a top box office draw while Marlene had, of necessity, morphed into a concert star - she was, I believe, in her 60s in this picture. Liz in her 60s couldn't touch the great Dietrich...

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  6. Anonymous21 October, 2011 14:07

    Liz in her 60s was gorgeous ( mrs.Fortensky) and looked way prettier and younger than Dietrich

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  7. Anonymous18 March, 2012 09:30

    In an interview (in the 60's) Mr. Richard Burton said that Marlene Dietrich is the most beautiful woman he has ever met. Personally I wouldn't like to compare Dietrich and Taylor - they are too different in every aspect.
    Sauli

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