Summary
Lola Montes Second Sight, PG, pounds 19.56 ?????
This was the last film of Max Ophuls (La Ronde). It opened in 1955 to a medley of catcalls and acclaim. Withdrawn and savaged by the producers, it has until today been one of cinema's lost legends. Now, however, it's been restored to its CinemaScope and Eastman Color glory. Lola, a glamorous 19th-century dancer and courtesan, whose lovers included Liszt and King Ludwig of Bavaria, is played by Martine Carol - the focus of much criticism at the time. In fact, she was ideal casting, her ravishing looks offsetting, as in life, Lola's minimal talent. The story is told in the framework of a circus act, to which she was reduced in later years. It is run by Peter Ustinov, as a shrewd manager and ringmaster, who realises that her theatrical incompetence is immaterial when what the world really wants is to see a living scandal. Ophuls' direction is inspired. Every shot and sinuous camera movement is breathtaking, and they are accompanied throughout by Georges Auric's melting score.See the full content of this document
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