Obsession: Marlene Dietrich: The Pierre Passebon Collection

This intimate collection of almost a hundred photographs of the mid-twentieth century icon Marlene Dietrich by journalist and author Pierre Passion hauntingly captures the elusive magic of this bewitching persona. In refreshing black and white, the shadows, shadings, lighting, and especially the enticing poses of the artful figure enchant the viewer. Directing the master photographers of her time, Dietrich choreographed her poses to meet her demanding standards. Accompanying each photograph is a succinct commentary about the print and the responsible photographer, along with a synopsis of its background. Some of the photos were supervised by her director and mentor, Josef von Sternberg. Viewing this pictorial recording revives memories of this dauntless figure who entranced her audiences with her erotic glamor, her heroic rebuff to the German despots, and her taunting bisexual portrayals. This little volume of treasured photos captures the enchantment that this exceptional woman roused in her audiences in the movie theater, on the stage, in concert halls and cabarets, and on WWII GI tours. This indomitable figure captured in alluring black and white should be reviewed again by contemporary audiences and professional photographers.