Day School: The Romance Melodramas of Max Ophüls

Max Ophüls is one of the great filmmakers in cinema history, though perhaps not well-known now, partly because he died relatively young in 1957. If he had survived to make more films he might be as celebrated as his near contemporary Douglas Sirk, who had a similar early career but eventually became established in Hollywood.

Ophüls was a wonderful director of actors and an artist in terms of mise en scène, fluid camerawork and innovative ideas about editing. His main focus was the female-centred melodrama and we will screen an early example in full.

(Everybody’s Woman) was his only Italian film made in 1934 after he had fled Germany following the rise to power of the Nazi Party.

was very popular in Italy and made its lead, Isa Miranda, into a star. She plays a woman who becomes a major singing star and film star before becoming overwhelmed by her own fame.

Her story, told in flashback, reveals how men could not help falling in love with her and eventually being destroyed. The film is full of audacious camerawork and editing in the early years of sound cinema – and the relationship between sound and image is key to the narrative.

For context, we will look at other female-led melodramas across the film career of Max Ophüls including films from Germany and his major achievements in France and Hollywood.

Tea and coffee will be available, for a small donation, and you are welcome to bring your own lunch.Tickets are available online and on the door but due to limited places, please let us know if you are planning to buy your ticket on the door.

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