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The Young Girls of Rochefort (France, 1967)

The Young Girls of Rochefort (France, 1967)
November 16, 2013 - 7:30 pm
In-person: 
George Chakiris; Debra Levine, dance critic.

“ ‘The Young Girls of Rochefort’ magically mizes the glee of Hollywood musicals with Demy’s particular French sensibility. The film transforms even the most quotidian event into a spectacular, ebullient occasion.” – New York Times 

“The world of ‘Rochefort’ is a rapturous, pastel-hued world of dreams: of love lost, found and hoped for; of yearning to leave behind provincial life for the big city.” – New York Times

Directed by Jacques Demy

Filmmaker Jacques Demy’s delightful feature offers a sparkling score by Michel Legrand and a brilliant ensemble cast, featuring George Chakiris as one of two traveling “carnies” who have come to provincial Rochefort to present a show.  This framework, and the story’s multiple romantic subplots, offer ample opportunity for lyrical singing and sweeping displays of jazz dance, with Chakiris providing a bright and powerful presence. 

Producer: Mag Bodard.  Screenwriter: Jacques Demy.  Cinematographer: Ghislain Cloquet.  Editor: Jean Hamon.  Cast: Catherine Deneuve, George Chakiris, Francoise Dorleac, Gene Kelly, Danielle Darrieux. 

35mm, color, French with English subtitles, 124 min.

Preceded by

Selected Television Clips (approx. 30 min. total), including:

"The Garry Moore Show" (CBS, 10/17/61)

"The Dinah Shore Chevy Show" (NBC, 2/23/62)

"The Andy Williams Show" (NBC, 1/22/67)