The Blue Angel - Hans Adelbert Mazeppa, Strongman

"When I see a beautiful women, I go on the offensive. I'm known for that."

Doesn't look like much of a strongman. More of a dandy, but dandy enough to capture Lola's eye.

The Blue Angel - Kiepert, Director and Magician

 When he first sees Rath, the Director first asks Lola, "What fruit are you hanging out with now?", but quickly changes his approach when he learns that Rath is a professor. He is as almost as much a force as Lola in dragging Rath into the world of The Blue Angel and in delivering the final humiliation.

The Blue Angel - Lola Lola

Men swarm around me
like moths around the light
If they get burnt
it's not my fault

This was the role that started Marlene Dietrich toward stardom. I drew the character here, not putting much energy into getting a good caricature of Dietrich. I remember the distinct drawings of her, the Mort Druckers and Hirshfelds, with the strong cheekbones, the hooded eyes and the severe mouth. Maybe because she's younger here and her features softer, or maybe because I'm using as my source a YouTube video of an old black and white movie where often details aren't that clear, I wasn't seeing those features so obviously here, and didn't want to get lost between the iconic Dietrich look and Lola Lola.

Worst part of doing this drawing was that the song was continually playing in my head as I drew her.

The Blue Angel - Doctor Immanuel Rath

Rath is a foolish prig, but he enjoys the high status of his position of Professor at the local college. When he follows his students into The Blue Angel, he is disarmed by the earthiness of the inhabitants. A lonely man easily charmed by Lola, he will soon lose everything.

These sketches are based on characters from the 1930 German movie "The Blue Angel", which is available on YouTube for free. Its a fantastically dark film.

The Blue Angel - Chorus Girl

"All this stuff sitting around," she says.

The Blue Angel - Barkeep

This guy is so short and wide he looks like an inflatable. The owner of The Blue Angel, always looking to maximize profit. He comes carrying the bottle of champagne the Captain has ordered in exchange for Lola's time.

The Blue Angel - The Cop

When the Captain begins complaining loudly after being pushed around by Rath, the neighbourhood cop comes looking around. Rath is forced to scurry into the basement so that he isn't found in the establishment. "But I have nothing to hide," he protests.