Customer Reviews

Flame of New Orleans [VHS]

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Dietrich played french ladies of dubious reputation so often, and to such great effect, its no wonder they loved her, and that she died in Paris. Remember her as Bijou Blanche in SEVEN SINNERS?

Here, in Renee Clair's confection, she has Ward Bond/Bruce Cabot to play against. Now, whether or not she ever had Bond/Cabot, as she had most of her other leading men, we'll never know. But, from the lack of sparkle in their duets together, probably not. On the other hand... Oh, well. It was wartime, and really sexy, really attractive leading men were scarce.

But, this is a mistaken identity antibellum movie, in which Dietrich plays (or almost plays) two different women. (Not to worry: Nothing psychological. Its all a misunderstanding.) We can tell one from another because one has bangs, and the other doesn't.

What's the difference? Its a parade of costumes. It could just as easily have been a vehicle for May West. Or some off-Broadway concoction for drag queans. It's a vol-au-vent; just a puffed confection made only to make you laugh. Some people enjoy watching pretty women change clothes. Does EVERYTHING have to be serious?

The mark of producer Joe Pasternak is all over this offbeat period comedy, arguably one of Marlene Dietrich's most unlikely yet delightful film assignments.

The future looks rosy indeed when Claire Ledoux (Dietrich), a phoney European countess on the make in New Orleans, successfully attracts the attention of wealthy banker Charles Giraud (Roland Young). Everything goes according to plan until Claire's carriage is accosted by a pet monkey belonging to salty sailor Robert Latour (Bruce Cabot) and true love-sparks begin to fly! Masquerading as Claire's "corrupt lookalike cousin", she romances Robert whilst keeping Giraud on the back-burner...but how long until Claire must make the decision of where to place her heart?

This most unusual romantic comedy showcases Dietrich to her utmost advantage, dressed in lush René Hubert costumes and sporting an outrageous "poodle bangs" hairstyle. Bruce Cabot ("King Kong") shares an adequate screen chemistry with Dietrich; their scenes are memorable. Anne Revere (the rustic mother in "National Velvet" and "Song of Bernadette") co-stars in a rare glamour role, with Laura Hope Crews and Theresa Harris.

The Flame of New Orleans is an interesting film for Dietrich. It is a costume picture, but it is a comedy, something one would expect to see Carole Lombard in. It revolves around a gold digger (Dietrich) who masquerades as a Countess with the help of her maid (Theresa Harris) in order to secure a wealthy husband. She has had quite a past and when the man she is planning to marry (Roland Young) learns of her reputation, she pretends she has a twin cousin (see, it's really funny) to throw him off. In the meantime, a poor sailor who she almost has an encounter with learns of her secret and plans to use it to his advantage (Bruce Cabot).

It might seem like a strange film for Dietrich to star in, but she is really quite funny in this movie. She is coy and beautiful with many different costumes to wear. Her supporting cast is great too. The brilliant scenery provides a lush background for these actors to create a very good comedy.

Bruce Cabot and Ward Bond were one and the same person. He (or they) had interchangeable careers, but notice, you never saw them together in the same movie, did you?