Posts from ethanedwards in thread „Seven Sinners (1940)“

Naughty Brod!!

Great photos, and of course real passion in real life!

Seven Sinners (UK title Cafe of the Seven Sinners) is a 1940 American adventure film
starring Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne in the first of three films they made together.
The film was produced by Universal Pictures in black and white.

Strangely, almost forgotten, this film was an important one for Duke.
Another Marlene Dietrich film, in which there was obvious chemistry,
as there was indeed, in real life, with a a real fling, going on off-screen.

Apparently, Duke's part was written for Tyrone Power, but he was tied up elsewhere!!

Duke did well, as so did, Albert Dekker, Broderick Crawford and Anna Lee.

The film although not the quality of Destry Rides Again was a box-office hit,
and earned a great deal of money, for the studio.
Duke's acting had come a long way, and he seemed natural and relaxed.

Dietrich raved to the press what a marvelous time she'd had, making the film.

Quote

I don't believe any future picture, will ever mean to me, what that one did" she told reporters

Although Duke was billed 2nd., he was emerging as one of Hollywood,
most sought after leading men.
Duke's association with Marlene Dietrich, did much to enhance his reputation,
and they soon made two more pictures together.
All in all a fun film to watch.

User Review

Quote

Author: notmicro from Seattle, from IMDb

Its fun and spunky enough, but it has the schizophrenic feel of a "B" film with "A-list" actors.*
It was made by Universal, which had taken a chance the year before, and cast Dietrich in "Destry Rides Again"*
following her inclusion in the famous "box-office poison" list. Wayne was just transitioning from shoestring Republic Pictures;*
he had made zillions of minor films, and his career was just starting to take off.
Dietrich often seems to be in a different film altogether;
the way she looks and acts goes way above what the material calls for -*
she was always extremely conscious of her "look" and image. Her musical numbers are fun,
especially the awesome nightclub number in Navy uniform drag - who else could pull THAT one off so successfully! "[/b]

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INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Plot Summary
Bijou, a saloon singer with a reputation for insighting brouhahas, is one of several deportees from a south Pacific island to arrive at another U.S. protectorate, Boni Komba. She becomes very popular with U.S. navymen by performing at the 'Seven Sinners'. A navy Lieutenant is attracted to Bijou despite the Governor's machinations to keep them apart, and the competing affections of local mobster, Antro. Will the Lieutenant give up the navy for Bijou, and will he survive Antro's forces?
Summary written by Gary Jackson

Full Cast
Marlene Dietrich .... Bijou Blanche
John Wayne .... Lt. Dan Brent
Albert Dekker .... Dr. Martin
Broderick Crawford .... Edward Patrick 'Little Ned' Finnegan
Anna Lee .... Dorothy Henderson
Mischa Auer .... Sasha Mencken
Billy Gilbert .... Tony
Richard Carle .... District Officer
Samuel S. Hinds .... Gov. Harvey Henderson
Oskar Homolka .... Antro (as Oscar Homolka)
Reginald Denny .... Capt. Church
Vince Barnett .... Bartender
Herbert Rawlinson .... First Mate
James Craig .... Ensign
William Bakewell .... Ens. Judson
Antonio Moreno .... Rubio
Russell Hicks .... First Governor
William B. Davidson .... Police Chief (as William Davidson)
Eric Alden .... Sailor (uncredited)
Danny Beck .... Orchestra Leader (uncredited)
Ted Billings .... Saloon/Courtroom Extra (uncredited)
Mamo Clark .... Native Girl at Antro's Table (uncredited)
Edgar Edwards .... Ensign (uncredited)
Virginia Engels .... Bit Role (uncredited)
Willie Fung .... Charlie, Shopkeeper (uncredited)
Tay Garnett .... Drunken Sailor (uncredited)
Frank Hagney .... Antro's Henchman (uncredited)
Michael Harvey .... Ensign (uncredited)
Al Hill .... Sailor (uncredited)
Mary Ann Hyde .... Bit Role (uncredited)
Soledad Jiménez .... Bijou's Maid (uncredited)
Noble Johnson .... Irate Russian (uncredited)
Mike Lally .... Henchman at Antro's Table (uncredited)
Perc Launders .... Naval Officer at Shipboard Dance (uncredited)
Larry Lawson .... Chief Officer (uncredited)
Claire Meade .... Bit Role (uncredited)
Harry Payne .... Second Mate (uncredited)
Rolfe Sedan .... Henchman (uncredited)
Tom Seidel .... Ens. James Scott (uncredited)
Evelyn Selbie .... Fortune Teller (uncredited)
Harry Semels .... Antro's Henchman (uncredited)
Harry Seymour .... Piano Player (uncredited)
John Sheehan .... Drunk (uncredited)
Charles Stafford .... Ensign (uncredited)
Peter Sullivan .... Ensign (uncredited)
Frank Swann .... Ensign (uncredited)
Nanette Vallon .... First Maid (uncredited)
Roquell Verria .... Native Girl at Antro's Table (uncredited)
Henry Victor .... Dutch Police Officer (uncredited)
Leslie Vincent .... Ensign (uncredited)
Ward Wing .... Sailor (uncredited)
William Yetter Sr. .... Dutch Police Officer (uncredited)

Writing Credits
Ladislas Fodor story
John Meehan
Harry Tugend
László Vadnay story (as Laslo Vadnai)

Original Music
Frederick Hollander (song "I Fell Overbroard")
Frederick Hollander (song "I'Ve Been in Love Before")
Frederick Hollander (song "The Man's in the Navy")
Hans J. Salter (as H.J. Salter)
Frank Skinner

Cinematography
Rudolph Maté

Trivia
Composer Hans J. Salter recycled his and Frank Skinner's score for "Son of Dracula."

Original working title: "Tropical Sinners"

Broderick Crawford replaced Victor McLaglen in the cast.

Memorable Quotes

Filming Location
Saugus Airfield, Saugus, California, USA

Watch the Trailer

Seven Sinners