Marlene Deitrich

Marlene Dietrich was Berlin-born, but she despised the Nazis. She studied violin, theater and poetry. Her dreams of being a concert pianist was over when she injured her wrist. She got her start on the stage in a chorus line. Paramount pictures wanted her, so they wooed her. Gave her a green Rolls-Royce Phantom II, in 1930. She was known in the USA as a mysterious femme fatale. She played several rolls as a cabaret singer. German’s Nazi party offered her a lucrative contract. They wanted her to return to Berlin and star in Nazi productions. Marlene refused their offer and began selling war bonds. Her $450,000 salary went into escrow to help Jews and dissidents escape Europe. She was vocal about her beliefs, standing up for integrity. She knew what was happening in Europe was wrong. Few women are as brave, vocal or beautiful as Marlene Dietrich. Many owe their ancestors’ lives to her.