While in exile in Hollywood, acclaimed French filmmaker Rene Clair made his American directing debut with The Flame of New Orleans, a period dramedy starring Marlene Dietrich.
Dietrich plays Claire Ledeux, a sexy woman who leaves France and arrives in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1841, determined to marry a wealthy man.
Posing as a high class woman, Claire sets her sights on Charles Giraud (Roland Young), who is good looking and rich, but she soon discovers that ship captain Robert Latour (Bruce Cabot) is also vying for her.
However, when Zoltov (Mischa Auer), who knew Claire from France, begins gossiping about her scandalous past in Europe, Claire pretends that he’s really talking about her cousin; she even disguises herself as the phantom cousin.
The supporting class includes Shemp Howard, Andy Devine, Franklin Pangborn, and Clarence Muse.
Oscar Nominations: 1
Interior Decoration (b/w): Martin Obzina and Jack Otterson, art direction; Russell A. Gausman, set decoration
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The winner was How Green Was My Valley
Credits:
Running time: 78 minutes.
Directed by René Clair
Written by Norman Krasna
In Theaters: Apr 25, 1941 Wide
DVD: September 29, 1998
