Morocco
The Foreign Legion marches in to Mogador with booze and women in mind just as singer Amy Jolly arrives from Paris to work at Lo Tinto’s cabaret. That night, insouciant legionnaire Tom Brown catches her inimitably seductive, tuxedo-clad act. Both bruised by their past lives, the two edge cautiously into a no-strings relationship while being pursued by others. But Tom must leave on a perilous mission: is it too late for them?
Directed by Josef von Sternberg. 92mins. (1930)
Gary Cooper - Tom Brown
Marlene Dietrich - Amy Jolly
Adolphe Menjou - La Bessiere
Also starring Ullrich Haupt, Eve Southern and Francis McDonald.
Based on "Amy Jolly, the Woman from Marrakesh" by French-German novelist Benno Vigny.
The film was controversial at the time for the scene where Marlene Dietrich kisses a woman while dressed in a tuxedo.
Nominated for 4 Oscars - Best Director, Best Actress (Marlene Dietrich), Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.
Maria’s Notes
The film Morocco stands out as a high point in Gary Cooper’s early career.
With his co-star Marlena Dietrich and his director, the infamous Josef von Sternberg it was quite a leap into the fire.The physical chemistry between Cooper and Dietrich was obvious on screenand off. This did not please their director who was obsessed with her and jealous.
He was known for being a tyrant on the set, but did get great performances from his primary love Marlena. My Father felt the rest of the cast was pretty much left on their own to lay their scenes. And no one ever “bullied” Gary Cooper. He stood up to Sternberg and told him offverbally and physically when the occasion arose.
His role as a devastatingly handsome American in the French Foreign Legion who, “loved women and left them”, was the epitome of the Wild Legionnaire. Coopers role was highly praised in this film of unrequited love, adventure, and those seeking revenge.
Maria Cooper Janis