Der Rosenkavalier

Rudolf Hartmann's stage production of Strauss' opera, in the sixties, quickly acquired a legendary status. Paul Czinner decided to preserve it on film. The opening credits proudly inform us that this is a film of "an actual performance' as opposed to what one is tempted to ask, for it does noet seem that we are watching a live performance in Salzburg, but rather a re-creation of one, perhaps in a theatre, perhaps in a film studio. As each act begins, we hear the applause; we see conductor Herbert van Karajan ascend, god-like, to the podium; we see the curtains open: but the camera, if not guilty of a lie, is at least telling a little fib. (Nick Kimberly)