In partnership with the Bath-Aix Twinning Association

LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBOURG (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg)

Jacques Demy, France, 1964, 91m, PG, sub-titles

The rainy northern port of Cherbourg is transformed into a candy-coloured manifestation of first love in this exhilarating Cannes Palme d’Or-winning treat, which made a star of 19-yr-old Catharine Deneuve and in which every word of dialogue is set to music by Michel Legrand. Guy, a car mechanic, is boundlessly in love with Geneviève, daughter of umbrella shop owner Madame Emery. While the young lovers profess their endless devotion and plan to marry, Madame disapproves because Guy has not yet been ‘matured’ by military duty. When his call-up for service in the Algerian War arrives, their bond is threatened – “Don’t leave me!” she imploringly sings, but leave he must. Meanwhile, rich gem dealer Roland has an eye on Geneviève.
 
The euphoric, sentimental veneer which characterises first love does nothing to conceal much darker realities in Demy’s unforgettable masterpiece. Some might see the film as a tragedy, but it’s so much more than that, and the bittersweet ending is as moving as the exuberance is dizzying. This unique film will look and sound stupendous on our big screen – why not indulge in a dose of unashamed romanticism as the nights draw in? 

Tickets: £9/£7 WSC members