At the Café de Paris

At the Café de Paris
Live album by Marlene Dietrich
Released	1954
Recorded	June 21, 1954
Genre	Traditional pop
Label	Columbia Records
Marlene Dietrich chronology
Marlene Dietrich Overseas (1951) At the Café de Paris (1954) Dietrich in Rio (1959)

At the Café de Paris is a live album by singer and actress Marlene Dietrich, recorded during her 1954 residency at the famous London nightclub. The album captures performances in both English and German, with musical arrangements led by conductor George Smith and introduced by Noël Coward. The debut show at the venue generated significant media attention, and portions of the repertoire were later released on LP by Philips/Columbia.

The original vinyl release featured iconic portraits of Dietrich on its cover along with excerpts from London press reviews. Different versions were commercially released, varying in tracks and formats. Years later, the album was reissued on CD with some modifications to the original tracklist. Contemporary critics noted both technical aspects of the recording and distinctive qualities of Dietrich's performance.

In preparation for her June 1954 engagement at London's Café de Paris, Marlene Dietrich sought musical accompaniment for her performances. According to Cash Box magazine (May 8, 1954), she initially approached pianist Bill McGuffie, but when he was unavailable, colleagues recommended Peter Knight, a noted pianist, arranger, and conductor. At the time, Knight had recently recorded material for English Decca with his ensemble.^[1] However, the live performance included in the album was conducted by George Smith.

Dietrich's Café de Paris debut on June 21 generated considerable media attention. Billboard reported that the venue orchestrated an extensive press campaign, unprecedented in London nightlife since events involving Princess Margaret. The café hosted a luncheon for journalists, arranging tables with vacant seats marked for Dietrich, though she ultimately did not attend. Management stated this served both to consolidate interviews and compensate critics who would later review her performances without complimentary meals.^[2] Cash Box reported that at the venue Dietrich made an entrance wearing a red suit and hat. Her performance was introduced by Noël Coward, with whom she had previously collaborated. During this London engagement, Dietrich recorded two albums for Philips/Columbia - one in English and one in German. The label also reportedly considered recording her opening night performance and released material related to her film work.^[3] In July 24, Billboard reported that Dietrich's opening performance at the Cafe de Paris has been waxed on LP by Phillips.^[4]

Issued on LP by Columbia Records (catalog no. ML 4975) and Philips (BO 7684 R), as well as on Columbia EP A-1115 (three 7-inch 45 rpm records in a heavy cardboard gatefold cover with extensive liner notes). Neither of the Columbia editions includes "Go 'Way from My Window". The original Philips pressing omits "Lazy Afternoon" and "No Love, No Nothin'". The album was later released on CD as The Marlene Dietrich Album (Sony MDK 47254). According to Cash Box the LP includes a front cover with a full-color portrait, a back cover with the famous photograph of the singer in her sheer gown, and an inner sleeve with excerpts from the London press. The package also received an unusual detail: it was scented with Arpège by Lanvin, reinforcing the sophisticated character of the edition.^[5]

The so-called "live" version of "No Love, No Nothin'" appearing on both the LP and CD issues is, in fact, a studio recording with added audience applause, most likely inserted to extend the running time of the original 12-inch U.S. LP. The unaltered studio version, without overdubbed applause, was first made available on the 1993 Sony Music CD The Cosmopolitan Marlene Dietrich. The Sony CD reissue of The Marlene Dietrich Album omits both "Go 'Way from My Window" and "Das Lied ist aus".^[6][7]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[8]

The Cash Box critic wrote that Columbia delivered "another masterpiece" with the release of Marlene Dietrich at the Café de Paris, describing it as an exciting package, enriched by Dietrich's unmistakable technique and an excellent selection of material. The review also highlighted Noel Coward's witty introduction, the quality of the recording achieved under less-than-ideal conditions, and the album's meticulous production, concluding that it was a release of major impact.^[5]

The critic from The Oregonian, reviewing the '991's album Live at the Café de Paris (also known as The Marlene Dietrich Album), wrote that Marlene Dietrich's "veiled" voice and "beckoning half-whispers" promised seduction with every breath. They highlighted the album's richly suggestive atmosphere across its 20 tracks, introduced by Noel Coward, and praised the performances recorded during 1950s shows in Paris and Rio de Janeiro. Among the highlights, they noted the coy and alluring rendition of "La Vie en Rose" and the iconic "Falling in Love Again", the theme from The Blue Angel. Finally, they recommended it as an "unusual holiday gift" capable of bringing "great delights.^[9]

• Marlene Dietrich discography