The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)
General
| Director: | Jaques Demy |
| Actors: | Catherine Deneuve, Francoise Dorleac, Gene Kelly |
In THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT, the follow up to the revolutionary UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1963), director Jacques Demy continues his experiments with narrative and the musical form, as well as his collaboration with composer Michel Legrand. Characters meet, story lines cross, families expand and all is expressed in booming song, exploding color, and elegant choreography. Catherine Deneuve and her real life sister, Francoise Dorleac play sisters who run a music and ballet school and in their spare time seek love and adventure. Their Mother runs a café in the Town Square which is the eye of the romantic and dramatic storm that runs through the film. A young sailor mopes at the café dreaming of an ideal love, a local music merchant regrets his lost love, a carnival enters town and two of its members convince the sisters to put on a spectacle. Gene Kelley makes an appearance, as do elements from many Hollywood musicals, added in pastiche. As the film reaches a hysterical and breakneck pace, lovers are lost and found, separated and reunited and the glittering, pastel glamour of the town of Rochefort plays a starring role. Love's endurance and the persistence of chance reign as the ridiculous and the sublime combine to create a cinematic experience unlike any other.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 120mins |
| Origin: | FRANCE |
| Aspect Ratio: | 4:3 |
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Member Reviews (7)
7 Member
Reviews
Art S.
says
Jacques Demy follows up Umbrellas of Cherbourg with this further musical spectacle, but this time the dialogue isn't entirely sung and there is dancing, much dancing (and, in fact, Gene Kelly is here, but dubbed). For the record, I like Umbrellas better for its melancholy score and mood; here, things are cheery and the focus is on love gained or regained, not love lost. Your willingness to get on board with non-stop musical numbers will determine your enjoyment; I always feel bad for the anonymous dancers in any picture and there are plenty here. Keep an eye on the camera moves -- they show the director's talent.
Nigel W
says
A lovely French musical which manages to rejuvenate the dying genre. Looks and sounds as fresh as the day it was made. 4.5 stars
bo
says
I have loved this movie for over 30 years, but had not seen it for more than 15. I think the quintissetial 60's musical. Catherine Deneuve & her real life sister Francois Dorleac light up the screen in their duets, the dancing and spirit are marvelous. The number of near misses, coincidences, where potentail lovers just pass each other becomes an annoyance until it all works out in the last few scenes. The only grating thing is Gene Kelly. He should have stayed in New York. It's a hell of a town.
Deirdre R.
says
I absolutely love Umbrellas of Cherbourg but, I'm afraid, I couldn't make it past the first 15 minutes of this film. It had a definitely 60s feel, but I just kept wishing they'd stop dancing and get on with the story. I might add that I am a confirmed fan of musicals, but this was just too much for me. Interesting to see Greek-American George Chakiris (Bernardo in West Side Story) speaking fluently in French.
John N.
says
A follow-up to 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg', which was sung throughout, this light-hearted musical has dialogue connecting the song and dance numbers which certainly helps in following the story. Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Dorleac, sisters in real life as well as in this story, lead a talented cast of singers and dancers. Shot on location in the historic port of Rochefort on the west coast of France, it has a wonderfully fresh and summery atmosphere. The music once again by Michel Legrand.
madmarg
says
Dreadful, corny movie but I actually enjoyed it mainly because of the music of Michel Legrand. It struck me that this was a stage musical which had been transferred to film. The dancing was OK but the true star was the music.
Desmond Pereira
says
I enjoyed watching this 60's retro French musical because it starred one of my favourite French actresses - Catherine Deneuve and her sister Frances Dorleac.
The music is Michel Legrand's one hit-tune-done-a hundred-ways, but still worth watching for the men in stove-pipe jeans and white boots, the women in pleated shift dresses, Gene Kelly speaking French and that whole French/60's feel.
Worth the watch if you're a fan, but more of a chick-gay-flick.