The 1940 romantic drama Seven Sinners marked a turning point in John Wayne’s career, moving him beyond the western genre and into a three-year affair with his co-star, Marlene Dietrich. According to reports from Far Out, the partnership began with an unconventional introduction in the studio commissary, where Dietrich famously declared, “Mommy wants that for Christmas” upon spotting the actor.
A Hollywood Commissary Encounter
While Wayne was known for his rugged on-screen persona, his initial interactions with Dietrich were characterized by avoidance. Anna Lee, who appeared alongside the pair in the film, noted in Conversations with Classic Film Stars that Wayne attempted to stay as far away from the German-born actress as possible after her bold public declaration. Despite his initial hesitation, Wayne ultimately accepted the role, beginning a professional and personal collaboration that persisted for years.
FBI Investigations End the Secret Hollywood Affair
The relationship became a poorly kept secret within the industry. Director Henry Hathaway, who worked with Wayne on projects including True Grit, later described the pairing as “the worst-kept secret in Hollywood,” noting that the two were frequently seen together at local sporting events and nightclubs.
The affair took place while Wayne was married to Josephine Saenz. The clandestine nature of the romance ended in 1943, following investigations by the FBI into Dietrich’s background. Although Dietrich had actively opposed the Nazi Party and renounced her German citizenship to become an American citizen, federal agents monitored her movements due to her heritage. The exposure of the affair during this period of scrutiny led to the end of Wayne’s marriage; he and Saenz separated in 1943, with their divorce finalized two years later.
Collaborations After Seven Sinners
Despite the personal volatility, the duo continued to work together on screen. In 1942, they reunited for two productions:
- The Spoilers: A western in which Dietrich played saloon owner Cherry Malotte opposite Wayne’s character, Roy Glennister.
- Pittsburgh: A drama directed by Lewis Seiler that served as their final film appearance together.
Dietrich maintained a significant influence on Wayne’s professional trajectory during this time. According to accounts shared by Hathaway in Michael Munn’s biography John Wayne: The Man Behind the Myth, Dietrich took a deep interest in his career and later took much of the credit for making him the star he became.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Marlene Dietrich have Nazi ties that concerned the FBI?
No. While the FBI monitored her because of her German heritage, Dietrich was a vocal opponent of the Nazi Party. She donated her salary from the film Knight Without Armor to assist refugees fleeing Hitler and officially renounced her German citizenship.
How many films did John Wayne and Marlene Dietrich star in together?
The pair starred in three films together: Seven Sinners (1940), The Spoilers (1942), and Pittsburgh (1942).
What was the professional impact of their relationship?
Beyond their on-screen chemistry, Dietrich took a great interest in Wayne’s career. Director Henry Hathaway suggested that Dietrich later took much of the credit for making Wayne the star he became.
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