La Jana was an American actress born in Austria-Hungary on February 24, 1905, best known for her roles in Der Tiger von Eschnapur, Das indische Grabmal, and Stern von Rio. Her real name was Henriette Margarethe Hiebel, and she became a notable figure in early cinema.
Personal and Family Life
La Jana was married to opera star Michael Bohnen and was rumored to have had a romantic relationship with Wilhelm, the last Crown Prince of Germany. With a background in ballet, she was first seen performing at the Frankfurt Kinderoper at a young age. Her captivating performances in cabarets and films earned her significant popularity during her lifetime.
Career Highlights
Her career began as a dancer, which led to her discovery by director Géza von Cziffra in Paris. She rose to fame with captivating performances in films such as Truxa and The Stars Shine, portraying exotic characters that showcased her allure and talent. La Jana quickly became a symbol of mystery and elegance in the film industry, known for her roles as scantily-clad heroines.
Death and Legacy
La Jana’s life was tragically cut short when she died of pneumonia on March 13, 1940, at the age of 35. Her premature death came just a week before the premiere of her final film, solidifying her status as a cult figure. Despite her fame, much about her personal life remains a mystery, leading to various rumors and legends surrounding her legacy.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Menschen vom Varieté | 1939-04-14 | Silvia Castellani |
| Das indische Grabmal | 1938-01-27 | Sitha / Indira |
| Der Tiger von Eschnapur | 1938-01-06 | Maharani von Eschnapur |
| Stern von Rio | 1940-03-20 | Concha |
| Truxa | 1937-01-19 | Tänzerin Yester |
| En perfekt gentleman | 1927-12-27 | Marquise Hortense |
| Es leuchten die Sterne | 1938-03-17 | Tänzerin |
| Thérèse Raquin | 1928-11-04 | Susanne Michaud |
| Der Herzensphotograph | 1928-12-01 | Dodo |
| Ritter der Nacht | 1928-10-16 | Marie-Louise |
| Gaunerliebchen | 1928-09-24 | Marie |
| Der Ladenprinz | 1928-08-20 | Prinzessin Tatjana |
| Casanova | 1928-01-01 | Dancer |
| Der Biberpelz | 1928-03-09 | Leontine |
| Die Warschauer Zitadelle | 1930-05-28 | |
| Der Schlemihl | 1931-11-27 | Garda Maro |
| Meineid | 1929-04-26 | Daisy Storm |
| Der lustige Witwer | 1929-05-01 | |
| Hans engelska fru | 1927-01-17 |