Question 1

How did Billy Wilder convince Marlene Dietrich to play the German cabaret singer?

Accepted Answer

Wilder visited Dietrich in Paris after location shooting and offered her the role, but she initially refused vehemently at her hotel.

Question 2

What disturbing insight did Billy Wilder get from a Berlin woman clearing rubble?

Accepted Answer

A woman clearing rubble told Wilder she was grateful the Allies fixed the gas so she could commit suicide, not for a hot meal.

Question 3

Why did Jean Arthur confront Billy Wilder during filming?

Accepted Answer

Arthur believed Wilder was favoring Marlene Dietrich and accused him of burning her close-up so she wouldn't look better than Dietrich.

Question 4

What did Billy Wilder famously say about working with his two female stars?

Accepted Answer

Wilder said, 'I have one dame who's afraid to look at herself in a mirror and another who won't stop looking!' referring to Arthur and Dietrich.

Question 5

What was the age difference between the female stars and their leading man?

Accepted Answer

Jean Arthur and Marlene Dietrich were in their mid-40s, while leading man John Lund was a decade younger than both.

A Foreign Affair

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