MARLENE DIETRICH: LIFE AND LEGEND

Film star Marlene Dietrich is referred to as "the embodiment of erotic sophistication." When she died in 1992, Steve Bach had already spent six years researching this biography. Roddy McDowell seems to enjoy reading this role, but he finds little artistic challenge in reciting historical research, however lightweight. The program contains just two voices--the uncelebrated narrator's and the star's. McDowell distinguishes Marlene's voice with a little girl's whimper. The result is a sympathetic treatment of this goddess actress, which seems to complement the intent of the author. D.W.K. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT 93]