This "feature film" was actually comprised of eight musical short subjects, helmed by three of France's top filmmakers. Artists spotlighted herein include pianist Alfred Corto, performing Debussy's Children's Corner; cellist Gregory Piatigorsky, playing Andante et Rondo; and contralto Elizabeth Schumann, singing Schubert's Ave Maria. The individual sequences vary wildly in quality, adding to the patchwork ambience of the film. Many consider Max Ophuls' Valse Brilliante and the aforementioned Ave Maria as the highlights of the show, though these are more impressive visually than musically. The film's final offering, featuring a performance by Serge Lifar and the French Opera Ballet, was radically cut down from its original three-reel length.
by Hal Erickson
synopsis
