MICHAEL POWELL, EMERIC PRESSBURGER

Bil’s rating (out of 5):   BBB.5.  

United Kingdom, 1951.  The Archers.  Screenplay by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger, based on the English libretto by Dennis Arundell, from the French text by Jules Barbier, adapted from stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann with French text by Michel Carre.  Cinematography by Christopher Challis.  Produced by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger.  Production Design by Hein Heckroth.  Costume Design by Ivy Baker, Hein Heckroth.  Film Editing by Reginald Mills.  

Powell and Pressburger revisit the success of The Red Shoes with this adaptation of the Offenbach opera. It couldn’t possibly look or sound better, and all the visual effects are a new height in creativity. Non-fans of musicals, however, will be bored senseless and are warned to keep a safe distance. Moira Shearer stars, further showing off the exceptional talent for dance that she possessed in the previous musical.

The Criterion Collection:  #317

Academy Award Nominations:  Best Art Direction-Colour; Best Costume Design-Colour

Berlin Film Festival Award: Silver Bear for Best Music film

Cannes Film Festival:  In Competition