Saturday, January 22, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Restored by Archives français du film—CNC

Dir. Marcel L’Herbier. 1928, 180 mins.

One of the most exciting film events in years was the Telluride Film Festival premiere of a stunning restoration of Marcel L’Herbier’s epic silent masterpiece, accompanied by the acclaimed Mont Alto Orchestra. The Colorado-based chamber ensemble’s scores are “breathtakingly beautiful and always in the service of the film on the screen.” (Dave Kehr, The New York Times). L’Argent transposes Emile Zola’s 1891 novel about the excesses of capitalism to modern-day Paris; L’Herbier’s mobile, avant-garde camerawork sets the drama against the Art Deco style of the magnificent sets. Brigitte Helm (Metropolis) plays the cunning mistress at the heart of a bold financial scheme.

The Mont Alto Orchestra : Rodney Sauer (piano), Britt Swenson (violin), David Short (cello), Brian Collins (clarinet), Dawn Kramer (trumpet), Kate Polera (drums).

Tickets: $25 public (includes Museum admission) / $15 Museum members / $10 Silver Screen members and above. Silver Screen members should call 718.777.6800 to reserve their tickets.

Download the program notes