Black Tights

This terrific dance film deserves to be judged in its historical context, where it shone in set design, choreography, cinematography, musical vivacity and not least in superb dancing.

I recall that at the time, Rene Jeanmaire's portrayal of Carmen was considered shockingly sexy for classical dance.

The film is still a treasure, especially as another gorgeous record of the brilliance of Shearer and Charisse, and remains a fully developed treat for the senses of anyone who enjoys dance at its best.

Highly recommended viewing for fans of all ages, not least to very young people dreaming of becoming dancers. The work in this film exemplifies a level of dance artistry that was revered in its day and by now has become legendary.

Yes, we would certainly stage things differently in the 21st century, yet this film is REAL Roland Petit --le vrai de vrai--, whose influence has been huge.

Viewing it again as a senior, I find many of the sets remarkable, especially the Dali-esquire richness of the Carmen story. I hope to view it anew on TCM and to smile and applaud all over again!

I only watched the Cyrano de Bergerac segment of this movie. I know the play backwards and forwards, I know the various French and American movies that have been derived from it. I thought I would see what Roland Petit came up with to justify turning it into a ballet. The answer, in my opinion, was nothing. None of his choreography does anything to illuminate the story. It goes by quickly, but it never makes any effect.

Perhaps the other three segments of this movie are better. I don't know. I won't bother to find out. Nothing in the Cyrano segment gave me any reason to explore further.

I don't think there's much I can say that would do justice to the beauty of this movie. It is delightful for anyone who likes ballet, but especially for fans of Cyd Charisse and Moira Shearer

However, the video transfer on the Kino DVD is an absolute horror - it's badly transfered, and the print that was used in the transfer was in terrible condition, with plenty of scratches, and many instances of missing snippets of film.

One wishes the Criterion Collection could get the rights to movies like these, and make a first-rate video transfer that would truly do justice to their artistry.

Lovely movie that I had heard about. Was crushed last year when Moira Shearer passed away. This movie includes Moira, Cyd and Zizi. Zizi I had heard about, but never seen. All were a delight. To me, Moira and Cyd seemed a little past their prime, since I was so spoiled by having seen their earlier dance films "The Red Shoes" and "Brigadoon", plus Cyd in "The Harvey Girls". But, alas, we all get older. I was finally able to see Zizi for the first time, and it was very nice. I have studied ballet, and feel that Roland Petit is well respected. Chevalier was good to see in this movie. The town square/vegetable market scene reminded me of "My Fair Lady". Just musings and reflections on my part. Perhaps the print and color were rather fuzzy, but they can be reminiscent of water color paintings. 9/10

Maurice Chevalier introduces 4 ballets performed (and originally premiered, I believe) by Roland Petit's Les Ballets de Champs Elysees. Excellent productions in vivid Technicolor with all-star credits in every category: Cyd Charisse, Moira Shearer and Zizi Jeanmarie in leading roles, costumes by Yves Saint-Laurent and Christian Dior and music by Jean-Michel Damase, among others. Fans of ballet and all things French will delight.