Morocco*

Morocco

Directed by Josef von Sternberg. 92 mins. (1930)

Gary Cooper – Tom Brown

A world-weary Foreign Legionnaire stationed in Morocco begins a guarded romance with a Parisian cabaret singer, each carrying scars from the past—until duty calls him into danger and she must decide whether love is worth abandoning everything she knows.

Also starring Marlene Dietrich, Adolphe Menjou, Ullrich Haupt, Eve Southern, and Francis McDonald.

Based on Benno Vigny’s novel Amy Jolly: The Woman from Marrakesh, the film marked Marlene Dietrich’s Hollywood breakthrough and became iconic for her tuxedo-clad cabaret performance and daring same-sex kiss—one of early cinema’s most provocative moments.

Nominated for four Academy Awards: 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