Not Just A Hat Rack - Amy

“You are pretty brave with women.”

Pre-code Hollywood has perhaps been forgotten, but there’s no doubting the power of the iconic look of Marlene Dietrich as Amy Jolly in 'Morocco'. The early years of studio films bear an ability to seem so much more ahead of their time and 'Morocco' is no exception. What made this film so daring is that whilst it plays out as a standard story about a love triangle, it isn’t afraid to explore sexuality and gender roles.

Amy, a beautiful figure of adoration, seeks the love of a man, but isn’t so reliant on men that she will just settle. Her triangle begins with her travelling to Morocco with La Bessiere, who from the start offers her everything she’ll ever need if she’ll take it, yet she won’t concede.

Performing for troops, she knows she is captivating and holds a subtle seduction - toward men and women - whilst dressed androgynously in a suit and top hat. She commands the room, defiant in the face of jeers, rebuffing the advances of men in the crowd and truly calling the shots.

Whilst surrounded by many powerful, authoritative men, she won’t be dominated, or intimidated. Though at a crossroads when it comes to choosing between the love of two men, she won’t take advantage of the one with money, nor lose herself completely to the charms and good looks of the handsome soldier she has really fallen for. She always remains fully in control.

The Hat:

Amy flips between traditional female and male hats, but it is the men’s top hat that is the highlight. She has transformed, in looks and persona, able to play a a seductive role, having fun with it and appearing carefree.

This is true of her without a hat, or in something more demure and feminine. For instance: flitting between locations, dragging her willing fiancé along with her whilst actually seeking the whereabouts of her true love; or when being interrogated to testify against him in front of his commanding officer for suspected adultery.

Overall, hats are prevalent in 'Morocco', whether they be military, protective, traditional, or theatrical.

Not Just A Hat Rack - Amy reel on Instagram