The Ghosts of Versailles

This film presents John Corigliano's grand opera buffa, inspired by Beaumarchais’s play La Mère Coupable. The story revolves around Beaumarchais, portrayed by Håkan Hagegård, who is in love with Marie Antoinette, played by Teresa Stratas. The film captures the world premiere run, showcasing a unique blend of humor and emotion as Beaumarchais attempts to alter history to save Marie from the guillotine.

The runtime of 180 minutes allows for an in-depth exploration of characters and themes. A young Renée Fleming features as Rosina, while Marilyn Horne delivers a standout performance as the exotic entertainer Samira. The film is notable for its live performance format and rich operatic elements, appealing to both opera enthusiasts and collectors of musical cinema. Conducted by James Levine, this telecast captures a significant moment in opera history, commemorating The Metropolitan Opera's centennial.