The elaborate disguises, sophisticated ruses, and arachnid schemes... display the elegant beauty of fakery; their ultimate truth is disclosed in Dietrich's insolent smile when facing down men with guns.

To try and describe Dietrich in Dishonored ... is a daunting exercise Marlene's character would no doubt look upon with a withering, contemptuous glance.

Iit is perhaps the purest expression of Sternberg's belief in the triumph of aesthetics over mortality.

Dietrich's fine performance and von Sternberg's visuals (that masquerade ball!) overcome both a shaky second half and a badly miscast Victor McLaglen.