The Blue Angel (1930)

As the curtain of 1924 Germany rises, we are introduced to Dr. Immanuel Rath, a middle-aged literature professor at an all-boys school. His stern demeanor and stringent teaching methods earn him little affection from his students, who, in youthful rebellion, often mock him, calling him "unrath" - a harsh German term akin to garbage. Unbeknownst to Rath, the boys are drawn to a captivating world of music and allure - a cabaret known as Der blaue Engel, the Blue Angel. Rath's discovery of their clandestine escapades sparks a crusade to protect his students' impressionable minds from the perceived corruption of the cabaret. So, he embarks on a mission, stepping into the seductive world of the Blue Angel to expose his students and admonish them. Yet, he remains unaware of the enchanting storm brewing in the cabaret - the headlining performer, Lola Lola. Over the course of several visits, Rath succeeds in catching his boys but succumbs to a different snare altogether. He becomes entranced by Lola Lola, the shimmering siren of the stage, whose charm proves to be a potent cocktail of enchantment. Their seemingly mutual attraction transforms into a passionate love affair that threatens to upend Rath's pedagogic career, as he contemplates leaving his world of academia to join Lola in her nomadic journey from one cabaret to another. However, as the spotlight dims, their relationship begins to crack, revealing a stark reality that neither had foreseen. The once dazzling love story spirals into a turbulent saga of a disintegrating relationship, leaving both Rath and Lola to grapple with the fallout. How they navigate through this emotional maze and the reasons that led to their relationship's demise forms the heart of this tale, making 'The Blue Angel' a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the relentless grip of obsession.

The Blue Angel is a drama movie featuring Emil Jannings.

The Blue Angel is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Blue Angel on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Kino Now.