Title: Angel
Release Date: 29/10/1937
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Plot
Set in 1930s England, “Angel” follows the life of a young woman named Angela “Angel” Wood (played by Marlene Dietrich), who dreams of escaping her mundane existence and finding love and adventure. Angel is an attractive, vivacious woman with a strong and independent spirit, navigating a society that often suppresses individuality and freedom.
The film begins in the picturesque village of Tillingham, where Angel resides with her domineering father Sir Herbert Wood (played by Herbert Marshall). Sir Herbert, a wealthy but stern man, disapproves of Angel’s dreams and desires her to conform to societal expectations.
Angel’s only refuge is her diary, where she candidly expresses her fantasies and aspirations. One day, Angel catches the eye of the dashing and charismatic American publisher, Anthony “Tony” Halton (played by Melvyn Douglas).
Tony is instantly smitten by Angel’s charm and beauty, and the two embark on a whirlwind romance. Angel sees Tony as her ticket to the excitement and adventure she craves.
They marry and move to Paris, a city known for its artistic and bohemian lifestyle. In Paris, Angel finds herself immersed in a world of creative minds, extravagant parties, and vibrant social circles.
She befriends a group of artists who encourage her artistic aspirations. Angel yearns to be a great author, channeling her experiences and emotions into her writing.
However, she discovers that the world of literature is not as open to new talent as she had hoped. She faces rejection and criticism from publishers, dampening her spirit.
Meanwhile, Tony becomes increasingly busy with his work, leaving Angel feeling neglected and unfulfilled. She finds solace in the company of a French nobleman, Maurice “Tommy” Duclos (played by Edward Everett Horton), who provides her with emotional support and encourages her writing ambitions.
As Angel’s dissatisfaction in her marriage grows, she becomes more reckless and begins to yearn for the excitement of her past. She embarks on several affairs, seeking fleeting moments of passion and escape from her dull existence.
However, these affairs only deepen her feelings of emptiness and longing. Throughout the film, the theme of self-discovery and the pursuit of true happiness is recurring.
Angel’s journey reflects the struggles faced by individuals in a society that places limitations on personal growth and expression. The contrasting themes of conformity and rebellion are explored as Angel navigates between societal expectations and her own desires.
As the story unfolds, Angel’s relationships and choices eventually lead her to confront her own identity and values. She questions whether the pursuit of desire and independence comes at the cost of love and stability.
“Angel” is a visually stunning film, with lavish sets and costumes that transport viewers to a bygone era. Marlene Dietrich delivers a captivating performance as Angel, portraying her complex character with depth and resilience.
In this timeless tale of love, ambition, and self-discovery, audiences will find themselves captivated by the struggles and triumphs of a woman brave enough to challenge societal norms and embrace her own dreams. “Angel” reminds us that true happiness can only be found when we have the courage to follow our hearts, even in the face of adversity.
6 Best Scenes from Angel
Scene 1: Angel meets and falls in love with Sir Frederick Barker
In this pivotal scene, Angel, a young and charming woman, crosses paths with Sir Frederick Barker, a distinguished gentleman. The moment they lay eyes on each other, a spark ignites, and they are immediately drawn to one another.
The chemistry between them is palpable, and their witty banter creates a delightful and flirtatious atmosphere. This scene is significant as it sets the foundation for the romantic storyline in the film.
Angel’s encounter with Sir Frederick marks the beginning of her love story, which becomes a central theme throughout the movie. Their connection not only infuses the story with romance but also introduces the audience to the complexities of Angel’s character.
It prompts the audience to question whether her pursuit of love will lead to happiness or heartbreak. Scene 2: Angel’s extravagant lifestyle crumbles as her finances dwindle
In this poignant scene, Angel’s once extravagant lifestyle comes crashing down as financial hardships take their toll.
The opulent parties, luxurious outfits, and expensive indulgences that defined her existence are now replaced by a sense of desperation and struggle. Angel’s overflowing optimism dims, and she must confront the reality of her dwindling finances.
This scene is significant as it illustrates the consequences of Angel’s reckless spending and extravagant choices. It serves as a turning point in the film, highlighting Angel’s moments of vulnerability and prompting her to reevaluate her priorities.
The contrast between Angel’s former lavish life and her current impoverished state reveals the transient nature of material wealth, ultimately challenging Angel to find fulfillment beyond material possessions. Scene 3: Angel decides to become a playwright and begins writing her own play
In this empowering and pivotal scene, Angel takes control of her life by deciding to pursue her passion for writing.
Faced with financial hardships and personal setbacks, she finds solace in her creativity and decides to embark on a new journey as a playwright. Fuelled by her determination, she starts writing her own play, pouring her experiences, emotions, and imagination into the pages.
This scene is significant as it showcases Angel’s resilience and her ability to transform adversity into opportunity. It exemplifies her growth as a character, as she transforms from a passive participant in her own life to an active creator of her destiny.
Angel’s decision to write her own play not only becomes a form of self-expression but also marks a shift in her narrative arc. It presents the audience with the possibility of redemption, self-discovery, and the potential for a new beginning.
Scene 4: Angel’s play is rejected by a theater producer, leading to feelings of failure and disappointment. In this scene, Angel eagerly presents her completed play to a prominent theater producer, hoping to launch her career as a playwright.
However, her dreams are shattered when the producer dismisses her work, expressing his lack of interest. Crushed by the rejection, Angel is overcome with feelings of failure and disappointment.
This scene is significant as it represents a major setback in Angel’s journey towards self-fulfillment. It highlights the challenges faced by aspiring artists and the inherent vulnerability that comes with putting one’s creative work on display.
The rejection of her play forces Angel to confront the reality that success is not guaranteed, and her dreams may not come true as easily as she hoped. It adds a layer of complexity to her character, as she must navigate the highs and lows of pursuing her passion while dealing with the harsh realities of the artistic world.
Scene 5: Angel’s ex-husband, Sir Frederick Barker, returns to her life and tries to win her back. In this emotionally charged scene, Sir Frederick Barker, Angel’s charismatic yet unreliable ex-husband, reenters her life.
Determined to win her back, he pleads his case, offering grand gestures and declarations of love. Angel is torn between the allure of a familiar relationship and the desire for a more stable and fulfilling future.
This scene is significant as it forces Angel to confront her past and the mistakes she has made in her pursuit of love. It delves into the complexities of her relationship with Sir Frederick, highlighting the enduring bond they share while also uncovering the underlying issues that led to their separation.
Angel’s decision in this scene becomes a pivotal moment in her character arc, as she must choose between the comfort and familiarity of the past or forging a new path towards independence and personal growth. Scene 6: Angel ultimately chooses her independence and ends up with a man named Tony who truly loves her.
In this heartfelt and satisfying conclusion, Angel makes the ultimate decision to prioritize her independence and happiness. Rather than succumbing to the allure of her ex-husband, Sir Frederick, she chooses Tony, a man who has consistently shown genuine love and support for her.
Together, they embark on a new chapter, filled with mutual respect, trust, and the freedom to be themselves. This scene is significant as it represents the culmination of Angel’s journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
It emphasizes her growth as a character and her ability to learn from her past mistakes. By choosing Tony, Angel demonstrates her newfound strength and determination to follow her own path, rather than succumbing to societal expectations or the lure of past relationships.
This choice encapsulates the overarching themes of the film, promoting the importance of personal agency, self-love, and authentic connections.
