The Young Girls of Rochefort

Rating:
Summary: entertaining and delightful!
Review: This was the second French musical film made with the music of Michel LeGrand (the great French songwriter) and the beautiful blonde French actress, Catherine Deneuve (the tall, stately lady on the back of French currency was also inspired by her profile).

I wish more people knew about this movie because it is really funny , for starters (maybe even unintentionally, but somehow I think the directors and actors were well aware of how "tongue in cheek" they were being). Like its predecessor, "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," the dialogue is breathlessly sung (and, of course, breathlessly dubbed by other singers), the plot is light, fluffy and ridiculous. Two twin sisters, Delphine and Solange, own and teach at a dance school for young girls (Delphine and Solange are played by real life sisters Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Dorleac. Unfortunately, Francoise died in a car accident quite soon after the film was made). We get a glimpse into their lives during a whirlwind weekend when the summer carnival has come to town and love is in the air. The love interests are a young blonde sailor who falls in love with Delphine's likeness in a painting (his "female ideal"--the accompanying song is a hilarious and dizzyingly lovesick), and Andy Miller (Gene Kelly--dubbed over by a jazz singer's voice) who encounters Solange in the street, by chance. Also, let's not forget the appearance of George Chakiris as Etienne, a fancy free carny who basically is living loose and free (and finds time to dance and showcase the newest model of motorcycle during the fair).

This is truly a period piece. Some of the costumes are a real throwback to 1960s mod--complete with go-go boots and tight jeans. The choreography is funky, edgy and definitely not from your grandmother's musicals. (I don't think this would've been Fred Astaire's first choice for a "cross over" film.) Rent this when you want a great escape from the burdens of day to day life. This will definitely lift your spirits!

Rating:
Summary: MUST SEE VIEWING FOR MUSICAL THEATRE BUFFS
Review: When I first viewed The Young Girls Of Rochefort in 1969, it had such an impact on me, that I always inserted some of its influence into the numerous musical theatre projects that I have produced and directed since that time. The Michel Legrand score is so lushly scored that I am overwhelmed with its complexness and lyricism. This film was so well conceived and executed that I have never seen anything since that matches its quality and ability to entertain those who love the Broadway musical theatre genre. When I discovered that the film was available again,I was amazed and exhilirated. This film is a must see for musical theatre buffs. I am now hunting for the DVD version which I believe is only available in Europe.