LEGONG: DANCE OF THE VIRGINS

Showings

Castro Theatre Sat, Jul 20, 2013 2:15 PM
Accompanied by Gamelan Sekar Jaya and Clubfoot Orchestra

Description

Bali, 1935, Director Henri de la Falaise

Cast
Poetoe Aloes Goesti, Bagus Mara Goesti, Saplak Njoman, Njong Njong Njoman

General $15 / Member $13

One of the last features shot in two-strip Technicolor, Legong was filmed entirely on location in Bali in 1935 by the Marquis Henry de la Falaise (a WWI hero, the ex-husband of Gloria Swanson, and the current spouse of Constance Bennett). The film is a tragic tale of love denied—Poutou, a respected Legong dancer, falls in love with young musician, Nyoung. Her father is delighted with Poutou's choice and wants to help her to conquer Nyoung's heart. But Poutou's half-sister Saplak pines for the musician. When Nyoung chooses Saplak, Poutou drowns herself. Legong's real theme is much more than mere melodrama—it is the delineation of Balinese culture. De la Falaise captured religious rituals including frenetic dances and mystical parades, and everyday dealings at the local marketplace. Small details chronicling the life of the villagers make the film an absorbing and mesmerizing quasi-documentary in gorgeous Two-Color Technicolor! (TRT: 65 mins.)