A Healing Return: Marlene Dietrich Goes Back to Germany, 1960

Marlene Dietrich was born in Germany and began her show business career there, but she moved to Hollywood in 1930, and after her home country fell under the rule of Adolph Hitler, the star of The Blue Angel renounced her German citizenship and became a U.S. citizen.

Not only that, but Dietrich became an activist, giving financial aid to Jewish refugees and others escaping from The Third Reich. The actress, one of the biggest stars of her day, bluntly declared “Hitler is an idiot” in an interview with British radio. And when America joined World War II, Dietrich toured America to help sell war bonds, raising money for the fight against her homeland.

Dietrich also joined in U.S.O. tours during World War II, performing before American troops in Italy, the Netherlands and other locations. Late in the war she actually ventured into Germany, not far from the fighting, in the company of General George Patton. When asked why she took such a risk, she replied, “Out of decency.”

Dietrich’s stand against Nazism places her on the right side of history. Still, in 1960, when she took her stage show to Germany to perform in her home country for the first time since 1931, some ideologues bristled at her presence.

Here’s how LIFE reported on Dietrich’s return:

When Marlene Dietrich announced this spring that she was going back to sing in Germany for the first time in 29 years, there was an outcry from German extremists who called Marlene a traitor for having renounced her country….Wrote one angry nationalist, “This is impudence. We shall give her the proper German reception.”

But it turned out that most Germans were happy to welcome Dietrich. The images from LIFE photographer James Whitmore capture the scene. “On the streets of West Berlin where her German tour began, Marlene was greeted with real warmth and affection,” the magazine wrote.

Dietrich played her opening show before a packed crowd of 1,800 and delighted the audience with signature songs such as “Falling in Love Again” and “Makin’ Whoopee.”

LIFE’s story concluded, “After 18 curtain calls there was no doubt on either side of the footlights that Marlene and her homeland were at peace again.”

Actress Marlene Dietrich (left) greeted old friends in West Berlin in 1960 when she came for her first performance in Germany in 29 years.

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Actress Marlene Dietrich (right) was greeted by crowds in 1960 when she came for her first performance in Germany in 29 years.

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Crowds awaited Marlene Dietrich in 1960 when she came back for her first performance in Germany in 29 years

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Marlene Dietrich met with the press in 1960 before her first performance in Germany in 29 years

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Actress Marlene Dietrich (left) visited with Mayor Willy Brandt of West Berlin in 1960 when she came back for her first performance in Germany in 29 years

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Marlene Dietrich rehearsed for her first show in Germany after a 29-year absence from performing in her homeland, 1960.

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Marlene Dietrich performed the song “Makin’ Whoopee” during rehearsal on stage for her first performance for a German audience in 29 years at the Titania Palast, 1960.

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Marlene Dietrich (center) performing during her return to Berlin in 1960 for her first performance in Germany in 29 years.

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Actress Marlene Dietrich during her return to native Germany in 1960 for her first performance there in 29 years.

James Whitmore/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock

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