This finely crafted drama of despair from legendary filmmaker Josef von Sternberg follows brusque professor Rath (Emil Jannings), who's determined to stop his pupils' visits to hear speakeasy singer Lola (Marlene Dietrich). An obsession for the siren blossoms, and Rath's life spirals out of control. It's a classic story of the power of lust, love turned sour and the humiliation of one man forced to confront his deepest weakness.