Lola Montès (1955)
(Max Ophüls, France/West Germany 1955, 116 min., 35mm, Dubbed in English)
The film event of the new year is “A colossal spectacle about colossal spectacles”—Richard Brody, The New Yorker. Martine Carol stars as the legendary Spanish courtesan and adventuress whose lovers included Franz Liszt and King Ludwig of Bavaria. Lola’s life and loves are recalled by the circus master (Peter Ustinov) who made this beguiling beauty his central attraction. The final film from master stylist Ophüls features his trademark long-takes and steadily moving camera, as well as a sharp and relevant critique on the culture of celebrity. This stunning new edition of Lola Montès restores the film’s original stereo soundtrack and brings Ophüls remarkable color scheme back to life. “Back in 1962, I hailed Lola Montès as the greatest film of all time, and I stand by that judgment”—Andrew Sarris, The Village Voice.