Blonde Venus (1932)

In the enchanting wilderness of the Black Forest, American chemist Ned Faraday's path intertwines with that of German artist Helen. Their shared journey takes them from an enigmatic encounter to a cherished marriage, and eventually parenthood with the birth of their son, Johnny. Nestled in the cosmopolitan heart of New York, their idyllic family life shatters when Ned succumbs to a deadly radium poisoning, a haunting repercussion of his tireless experiments. With a glimmer of hope, Ned is presented with a potentially life-saving treatment in Dresden. However, the staggering cost of $1,500 places it far beyond their reach. Rising to the challenge, Helen, the resilient cornerstone of their family, steps back into the vibrant world of nightclubs. Under the sultry alter-ego, Blonde Venus, she captivates the crowd, her popularity soaring with each performance. But the urgency of Ned's predicament prompts Helen to cross the boundaries of her marriage. She finds herself ensnared in an illicit affair with the affluent playboy, Nick Townsend. An act of desperation, her betrayal serves as a means to secure the much-needed funds for Ned's treatment. As Helen navigates the tumultuous waters of infidelity, Ned embarks on his journey to Germany, oblivious to his wife's sacrifice. Upon his early return, cured but emotionally shattered, Ned uncovers Helen's secret. The revelation fuels a bitter custody battle, forcing Helen to abscond with Johnny, all the while pursued by relentless agents from the Missing Persons Bureau. Her life unravels further when she loses her son to Ned, leading her back to the entrancing spotlight of the Parisian entertainment scene. As Helen's fame rekindles, she crosses paths with Townsend once more, leading them into an engagement. Yet, the pull of her past, her son, and the remnants of her life with Ned, keeps tugging at her heartstrings. Torn between two worlds, one of glamour and luxury, and another of love and familial bonds, Helen must decipher where she truly belongs, in a world that constantly pulls her in contrasting directions.

Blonde Venus is a drama movie featuring Marlene Dietrich and directed by Josef von Sternberg.

Blonde Venus is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.