Les Demoiselles de Rochefort

Celebrating crowds, paper streamers, market stalls — showmen pitch their tents in the middle of tranquil Rochefort. What starts out as an open-air sales fair culminates in a spectacular dance performance by the ballet teacher Delphine (Catherine Deneuve) and her twin sister, the composer Solange (Françoise Dorléac), wearing bright red sequin dresses. The days leading up to the fair are full of the main characters' search for happiness and love: In addition to the sisters are their mother (Danielle Darrieux), a painter doing his military service, a man who sells musical instruments (Michel Piccoli), and last but not least, the US composer, played by Gene Kelly. Demy's cinema was never more cheerful, colorful, euphoric, and lighthearted. (mg)