BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Directed by Jean Cocteau
Starring Josette Day & Jean Marais

(1946) In 17th-century France, village “belle” Josette Day sacrifices herself to fearsome “bête” Jean Marais as atonement for her father's transgressions. Cocteau’s transcendent treatment of the folktale strives through use of poetic imagery and a minimum of special effects to achieve a “realism of the unreal.” 35mm. Approx. 95 min.
12:30, 4:30, 8:25

“A sensuously fascinating film, a fanciful poem in movement given full articulation on the screen.”
– Bosley Crowther, The New York Times

“By general consent one of the most enchanting pictures ever made.”
– Francis Steegmuller, Cocteau: A Biography

ORPHÉE

Directed by Jean Cocteau
Starring Jean Marais

(1950) After eponymous poet Jean Marais sees pal François Périer (Le Cercle Rouge) run down by motorcyclists, he pursues him to the realm of Death, ruled over by Maria Casarès (Children of Paradise). Startling special effects create a truly dream-like atmosphere for this modern update of the myth. 35mm. Approx. 95 min.
2:30, 6:30, 10:20

“Replete with poetic tricks – the mirrors, the messengers of Death dressed in black leather and riding motorcycles, and especially the creation of an imaginary town out of Paris locations.”
– Georges Sadoul