La Jana

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