Les demoiselles de Rochefort

Cheerful crowds, flying paper streamers, bustling exhibition booths - showmen pitch their tents in the middle of tranquil, pastel-colored Rochefort. What appears to be an open-air sales fair culminates in a spectacular dance scene performed by ballet teacher Delphine (Catherine Deneuve) and her twin sister, composer Solange (Françoise Dorléac), wearing bright red sequined dresses - Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in "We're just two little girls in Little Rock" send their regards. The days leading up to this surprise triumph are full of the main characters’ search for happiness and love: In addition to the sisters, their mother (Danielle Darrieux), a painter doing his military service (Jacques Perrin), a man who sells music supplies (Michel Piccoli) and, last but not least, the US composer, played - another triumph - by Gene Kelly. Demy's cinema was never more cheerful, colorful, and euphoric. (mg)