Do you enjoy movie musicals. If not, you’re on the wrong side. Otherwise, get ready for something extra.
Maybe you have seens the great stars, like Judy Garland, Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire. But have you ever heard of a french musical? Probably not.
Young Girls Of Rochefort
(french title:Les Demoiselles de Rochefort)
is directed by Jacques Demy, and have some great
music by Michel Legrand. It features well known stars as
Gene Kelly, Catherine Deneuve and George Chakiris The story of the film started in 1964. Jacques Demy had received the Gold Palm at the film festival at Cannes for his movie ’Umbrellas of Cherbourg’. He knew that he wanted to do a homage to the American musical, a movie where the characters are alternating between dialogue, song and dance. And he decided from the start to request the participation from Gene Kelly, a symbol for the Hollywood musicals.
Jacques Demy and composer Michel Legrand travelled to Los Angeles to meet Mr. Kelly and discuss the issue. Mr Kelly was very enthusiastic and said : ”I adore France, and i have wanted to go there for many years. And i love these characters. . . . I accept! But, there are two other films that i have to do, if you really want me, perhaps you should wait two years”.
They were disappointed, but there was nothing to do. They had to get back home and wait. Jacques had two years to polish on the script, and Michel Legrand started on the music. And they spend the two years good, there are few movie musicals that have so many catchy tunes