Margo Lion, a French actress born in Istanbul, made her film debut in a 1931 adaptation of Bertold Brecht and Kurt Weill's 'Dreigroschen Oper', playing the iconic role of Jenny, the "brothel queen", and singing the unforgettable song 'La fiancée du pirate'.
Initially a successful cabaret performer in Berlin, Lion went on to work extensively in cinema and television, collaborating with renowned directors such as Carné, Chenal, Duvivier, and Pabst, as well as emerging talents like Demy, Chabrol, and Franju.
Throughout her career, Lion showcased her remarkable versatility and talent as a character actress, effortlessly transitioning between diverse roles, including a prostitute in 'L'alibi', a nun in 'Le dialogue des carmélites', a peevish maid in 'La danse de mort', and a petty bourgeois in 'L'affaire Lafarge'.
What tied these seemingly disparate characters together was Lion's ability to infuse them with an air of elegance and distinguished iciness, imbuing even the most troubled or marginalized characters with an aura of refinement and poise.
Despite her impressive body of work, Margo Lion has largely faded into obscurity, a circumstance that is lamentable, to say the least. She undoubtedly deserves greater recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world of cinema and the arts.
