Kismet (1944)

Move over Gwen Stephani, Marlene Dietrich sends it through the roof in this marvelous campy jewel, playing an uncompromising Macedonian princess locked in the pastel harem of a Grand Vizir. Her favorite past time is listening to the outrageous tales of a beggar who masquerades as a prince — like a reverse Shaherazade she promises him kisses as long as he entertains her with stories.

While not really a musical, Dietrich sings in her weird baratone, and there are several authentic dance numbers in jaw-dropping technicolor. Dietrich knew when to be an actress and when to be a movie star here she turns it on like the sun! Decending from her tower to dance for the Vizir’s guests she paints her legs gold and vamps a series of smoldering, defiant poses. It is laugh-out-loud, and shockingly sexy at the same time.