The Umbrellas of Cherbourg: Classic among classics

Arte is organizing a special Jacques Demy evening this Thursday.

Classic among classics, the musical The umbrellas of Cherbourg will return this evening on Arte, followed by a portrait of its director entitled Jacques Demy, pink and black, narrated by the filmmaker based on archive interviews. It is already visible for free in replay, until March 2025, and it is accompanied by several key films from his work: Room in town, The Bay of Angels And The Pied Piper are also available on the channel's website.

Michel Legrand, the legendary composer of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, has died

Entirely sung, this musical film revolutionized the genre and established Jacques Demy in the pantheon of French cinema of the 1960s, then caught in the spotlight of the New Wave. He also revealed a young actress, 21 years old at the time, Catherine Deneuve.

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The history of Umbrellas of Cherbourg ? Genevieve (Catherine Deneuve) and Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), a penniless mechanic, are in love. But this relationship greatly displeases the young girl's mother who owns an umbrella shop. The beautiful story changes when Guy, who has not yet done his military service, is mobilized for two years in Algeria. Before separating, the couple consummate their love. Geneviève becomes pregnant. Lost without Guy and urged by her mother, she agrees to marry Roland Cassard (Marc Michel), a rich jeweler.

Delluc Prize in 1963 and Palme d'Or at the 1964 Cannes Film Festival, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is an essential work of French cinema. With poetry and tenderness, Jacques Demy depicts the thwarted loves of a charming Catherine Deneuve. The latter radiates in front of the filmmaker's camera. Her beauty and charisma have directly propelled her into the ranks of stars who make both men and women dream. We never tire of this touching and simple film.

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