Despite being replaced by Louise Brooks at the last minute for the role of Lulu in Loulou (1929), Marlene Dietrich managed to snag another coveted role. Her removal from "Pandora's Box" freed her up to play one of her most iconic roles, Lola Lola in Josef von Sternberg's L'ange bleu (1930).
The character of Lulu, the free-spirited and sexually-promiscuous Berlin flapper, her iconic haircut, blatant sexuality, and manner of dress momentarily influenced the model of what became known as the "new modern woman" in Europe and the United States.
Georg Wilhelm Pabst nearly signed Marlene Dietrich to star, although he wanted Louise Brooks. According to Pabst, Dietrich was in his office waiting to sign when a cable came from Paramount saying Brooks was available. Years later, Dietrich was still flabbergasted that Pabst wanted Brooks for Lulu instead of her.
Film historians have credited the sudden presence of sound in moving pictures for the commercial struggles of this film.
Countess Anna is considered by historians to be cinema's first lesbian character.