Cocteau’s updating of the Orpheus legend which haunted his own life takes the poet, from contemporary Paris to a mysterious chateau ruled by an imperious Princess, who first claims a younger poet, then Orpheus’ wife, Eurydice. With its unforgettable imagery of leather-clad motorcyclists, the eerie ruins of the Zone and messages from another world received by car radio, this has had a profound influence on both Hollywood and the avant-garde. Awards: Venice Film Festival 1950: Fipresci Prize ; British Academy Awards 1950: Best Film. See also: ‘Le Sang d’Un Poete’ (Blood of a Poet, 1930)[0107789, 16mm] and ‘Le Testament d’Orphee’ (1960) [X000058, 16mm] & ‘The Orpheus Trilogy’ (VHS) [2083267].
Credits: Producer, Andre Paulve ; director, writer, Andre Paulve ; photography, Nicolas Hayer ; music, Georges Auric.
Cast: Jean Marais, Francois Perier, Maria Casares, Marie Dea.
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How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
X000252
Languages
English
French
Subject category
Foreign language films
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Black and White
Holdings
16mm film; Limited Access Print (Section 2)