Von Sternberg

The narrative explores the complex life of Josef von Sternberg, a director who transformed his troubled origins into a glamorous persona in Hollywood. Ignoring his difficult childhood and lack of formal education, he embraced a lavish lifestyle while shaping the career of Marlene Dietrich, whose on-screen allure mirrored their tumultuous relationship. Historian John Baxter delves into von Sternberg's artistic choices, his rise from poverty to fame, and his eventual alienation in Japan, revealing the enigmatic figure behind the camera.