This little interview was conducted in Sweden the year before Von Stenrberg died. Still quite eloquent, expressive, and lucid at age 74, he discusses his career from his first film "The Salvation Hunters" in 1925 up until the 1950's. Included is a scene from the incomplete "I, Claudius" starring Charles Laughton in the title role. The interview is conducted in a rather odd way. The interviewer and Von Sternberg walk past a group of posters, each concerning one of Von Sternberg's films, and in turn discuss what is on the poster and Von Sternberg's recollections of working on the films and with the actors involved. He talks about Emil Jannings, his friendship with director Sergei Eisenstein, and of course, Marlene Dietrich. At the end of the interview Von Sternberg is shown "directing" one last time. This time it is the photographing of two young girls that have been brought along by their parents to an event in which Von Sternberg is also in attendance. Since Von Sternberg is famous in his use of lighting, this is what he is focusing upon as he directs the photography.
The only place I could find this was on the Criterion disc of "Docks of New York" in the Von Sternberg Silent Collection in case you're interested. Recommended for students of film history.
The only place I could find this was on the Criterion disc of "Docks of New York" in the Von Sternberg Silent Collection in case you're interested. Recommended for students of film history.
