Based on a short story Dietrich herself had written, and featuring an early performance by Cary Grant, the pre-Code Blonde Venus sees the actress once again return to the cabaret stage, but with motivations a world away from those of Lola Lola. Helen (Dietrich) is married to chemist Ned (Herbert Marshall), who is suffering from radium poisoning. To raise money for his treatment, Helen takes to the stage, shining even when performing in a gorilla suit, where she is noticed by wealthy politician Nick (Grant), with whom she begins an affair even as he promises to pay Ned’s medical bills.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the Dietrich X Garbo Season.