Sian Phillips presents a two-part tribute to one of the more striking and enduring icons of the 20th century. Tonight, Dietrich's early years in Germany, determined to make it on the Berlin cabaret circuit, through to her work with the director Josef von Sternberg. Featuring her recordings of Lili Marlene and Falling in Love Again, plus contributions from Burt Bacharach and Paul O'Grady among others.

[Photo caption] Marlene Dietrich as the sultry Lola in the 1930 film which brought her to international stardom, The Blue Angel

Blue Angel - the Marlene Dietrich Story 8.30pm R2
Recently I heard Marlene Dietrich described as the Madonna of the mid-20th century but I would have thought Madonna was a shy recluse compared with Dietrich, the subject of this two-part documentary. Dietrich, who maintained a 60-year career by constantly re-inventing herself, was a singer, actress and darling of wartime troops, whose personal life needed little in the way of public relations hype - though in later years Dietrich (she died in 1992) did become reclusive, thus adding a touch of irony to her image. Radio series do well to choose the right presenter and Radio 2 has done the trick with actress Sian Phillips, who played Dietrich in the acclaimed play Marlene. Tonight's opener covers the early years in Germany, her starring role in von Sternberg's The Blue Angel, (the movie that made her famous around the world) and her move to Hollywood.