The plot lines for DISHONORED and MATA HARI (1932) were almost the same; both films were melodramatic and impossible. Yet Dietrich's magical cold-ice charm and Garbo's wonderful mystique saved the films. Both films are also based on the infamous and fairly inept spy Mata Hari, shot for
espionage by the French in 1917. Where Mata Hari was an exotic dancer, Dietrich is a common streetwalker, encountered in WW I Vienna by Seyffertitz, head of the Austrian Secret Intelligence Service. A policeman threatens her with arrest if she will not move on. Hard as crystal, Dietrich replies:
"I'm not afraid of life or death!" Seyffertitz is impressed with her words and begins a c...
Released:
1931
Rated:
NR
Length:
91 mins