Ciné-Concert La Belle & la Bête (1945)

Experience the timeless enchantment of *Ciné‑Concert La Belle & la Bête (1945)*, a breathtaking concert film brought to life by the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra and the powerful Chœur de Radio France, under the meticulous direction of Frank Strobel. This cinematic jewel, directed by Jean Cocteau and assisted by René Clément, was filmed in August 1945 and represents one of the greatest masterpieces of French cinema from the Liberation period. Cocteau masterfully adapted Jeanne‑Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s tale while simultaneously crafting the screenplay and visual palette, drawing inspiration from 17th‑century Dutch masters like Pieter de Hooch and Johannes Vermeer, as well as 19th‑century engraving art of Gustave Doré. The film’s breathtaking sets, illuminated by Henri Alekan’s cinematic lighting, showcase Christian Bérard’s designs, while Georges Escoffier’s costumes and Hagop Arakéliان’s transformative makeup—requiring Jean Marais to spend hours in the studio—bring the characters to life: Josette Day as Belle, Marcel André as the Father, Michel Auclair as Ludovic, and Jean Marais as the Beast, the Prince, and Avenant. The score, composed by the politically engaged Les Six member and Resistance fighter Georges Auric, functions as an integral narrative element that complements Cocteau’s voiceover, enriching the film’s poetic and fantastical qualities. As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of this iconic release, the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra performs a live rendition during the world premiere screening, immersing audiences in the film’s profound exploration of love, death, and beauty. Join us for an unforgettable journey through cinema’s golden era—details and tickets are available for this extraordinary celebration.