The Flame of New Orleans
The Flame of New Orleans

Movie spotlight

The Flame of New Orleans

1941
Movie
79 min
English

In old New Orleans, a beautiful adventuress juggles the attentions of a rich banker and a dashing sea captain.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Director: René ClairGenres: Comedy, Romance, Musical

Plot Summary

In 1840s New Orleans, a scheming adventuress, Countess de Tour de Plancy, arrives with the intention of marrying a wealthy man. She sets her sights on the rich but naive banker, Clive Heatherton III. However, her plans are complicated by the arrival of her penniless but charming cousin, the Count de Tour de Plancy, who also falls for her charms and tries to expose her schemes.

Critical Reception

The Flame of New Orleans was met with mixed reviews upon its release. While Marlene Dietrich's performance and the film's visual style were often praised, some critics found the plot to be thin and predictable, and the humor occasionally fell flat. It is generally considered a lesser entry in Dietrich's filmography, though it has gained a cult following over the years for its unique blend of sensuality and screwball comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Marlene Dietrich delivers a captivating performance, adding glamour and wit.

  • The film's visual design and lavish costumes are noteworthy.

  • The plot is considered somewhat predictable and lacks sustained comedic momentum.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available, but general consensus suggests a divided opinion, with some appreciating the star power and visual flair, while others found the narrative lacking.

Fun Fact

Marlene Dietrich's elaborate costumes in the film, designed by Travis Banton, were highly praised and contributed significantly to the movie's opulent visual aesthetic.

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