Justice Starred: Humanitarian Marlene Dietrich shines on the Silver Screen

As many of you already know, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with Secret Cinema, will be screening Desire at William Way LGBT Community Center this Friday, July 20th. But did you know that one of Desire’s stars, Marlene Dietrich, was an advocate for immigrants coming to the U.S. during World War II?

Born in Germany, Dietrich vocally opposed the rise of the Third Reich and refused to appear in Nazi propaganda films. She made anti-Nazi broadcasts in German, helped her Jewish friends escape the Holocaust, and became a symbol for free Germany.

When she left Germany for the U.S., Dietrich worked to raise money to support families fleeing Europe in the wake of fascism and advocated for immigrants to have the rights of U.S. citizens. Dietrich was noted for her humanitarian efforts during the war. She received honors from the United States, France, Belgium, and Israel.

As we fight to protect the rights of all people, we are excited to have Marlene Dietrich as the face of our movie party.

Party, featuring a Tex-Mex taco fest (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) lovingly prepared by our former born and raised in Texas legal intern, along with complimentary cold local beer, homemade sangria, and sparkling water, starts at 6 p.m. Film historian Richard Barrios will be on hand to dish about Dietrich and Desire, which starts at 7:30 p.m.

Get your tickets now to join us! Tickets are $20 (or $25 at the door). View information on the 19th Annual Summer Movie Party