Review of "The Tales of Hoffman" by Offenbach

Criterion gave us the classic film "The Red Shoes" (1948). It's a beautiful ballet in which we all got to meet and admire Moira Shearer, the lovely dancer with the fiery red hair. It was, sadly, a failure at the box office. So then they undertook to make "The Elusive Pimpernel," which also bombed. A third failure convinced Michael Powello and Emeric Pressburger to fall back on a filmed opera. So in 1950 the public was treated to a film of the opera/ballet called "The Tales of Hoffman."

Take my word, this is a wonderful contribution to the world of opera and ballet. Once again, the lovely Moira Shearer dances the leads in the tales. She is lovely and an exquisite ballerina. She is joined by the great Frederic Ashton whose portrayal of many different characters in varies ballets gave him a unique and wonderful reputation. I was fortunate enough to see him perform in person. Then there is the magnificent Leonide Massine whose grace and work was without peer. In The red Shoes you may remember him as the villainous shoemaker. The part of Hoffman is sung by Robert Rouseville whose superb vocal chords give life to this part.

This is a wonderful addition to anyone’s library of music and dance. Remember that Hoffman was humorous and the tales are fun as well as delightful I have always been fond of the dancing doll of the tales and I found Moira beautiful to watch. This DVD is a treasure to enjoy and keep.