Watch Black Tights

Black Tights is a 1961 musical film that showcases ballet performances by Les Ballets de Paris, featuring the renowned Zizi Jeanmaire. Directed and co-written by Terence Young, the movie is a tribute to the French Ballet School and aims to showcase its beauty and elegance through ballet performances that are visually pleasing and emotionally resonant.

The film comprises four separate ballet performances, each of which is linked to the overarching theme of love and its many complexities. The first ballet performance is set to the tune of "Carmen," one of the most popular operas in the world. Zizi Jeanmaire performs the role of Carmen, and her passionate and sensual dance movements perfectly capture the seductive nature of the character.

The second performance, "The Perilous Night," is a haunting ballet set to music by American composer George Antheil. It tells the story of a young woman's emotional journey through the night as she grapples with her fears and anxieties. The dance movements are sharp and angular, mirroring the emotional turmoil of the protagonist.

In the third piece, "Tricorne," the dancers perform to the music of Manuel de Falla, telling the story of a young couple in love whose relationship is threatened by a group of outsiders. The ballet is set in a small Spanish village, and the cheerful folk music and lively dance movements capture the essence of the culture and country.

The fourth and final ballet performance is "Gaîté Parisienne," choreographed by Léonide Massine and set to the music of Jacques Offenbach. This piece is a joyful celebration of Parisian life, with colorful costumes, joyful dance movements, and lively music.

In addition to the breathtaking ballet performances, Black Tights also features Maurice Chevalier as the film's narrator. Chevalier adds an air of sophistication and elegance to the movie, providing context for the different ballet segments and introducing the dancers and choreographers.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with Terence Young capturing the essence of each ballet performance through innovative camera angles and shots. The use of vibrant colors and imaginative sets adds to the overall beauty and magic of the movie, making it a visual treat.

Overall, Black Tights is a wonderful tribute to the art of ballet and the French Ballet School. With its stunning performances, elegant cinematography, and timeless soundtrack, the movie has become a classic in the world of dance and film.

Black Tights is a 1961 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.