CHATHAM HICKORY CINEMA

"THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG"

One Showing Only! Wednesday, June 10th at 7:15pm

A Landmark in Film Musicals
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg redefines what a movie musical can be. Rather than pausing for traditional song-and-dance numbers, the film is entirely sung through—every line of dialogue becomes part of its sweeping, continuous score. This bold approach, crafted by composer Michel Legrand, creates an immersive, operatic experience that pulls you straight into the emotional lives of its characters.

Introduction and Q & A after the film by artist, educator and filmmaker Gerard Amsellem.

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In the seaside town of Cherbourg, young Geneviève and Guy are deeply in love, dreaming of a future together despite the modest realities of their lives. She helps her mother run a small umbrella shop, while he works at a local garage. But when Guy is suddenly drafted into military service during the Algerian War, their world is turned upside down.

As months pass with little word, Geneviève faces mounting pressure from her mother and the arrival of a wealthy suitor who offers stability in uncertain times. Separated by circumstance and time, both Geneviève and Guy are forced to confront the painful gap between youthful romance and adult responsibility.

Directed by Jacques Demy and featuring a lush, fully sung-through score by Michel Legrand, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant musical. With its vibrant color palette and haunting melodies, the film captures the bittersweet beauty of first love and the choices that shape our lives.

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A Dazzling Symphony of Color
Director Jacques Demy transforms the screen into a living canvas, using vibrant pastels and meticulously designed sets to mirror the film’s shifting moods. From candy-colored storefronts to richly coordinated costumes, every frame is visually choreographed. The result is a dreamlike world where color and music work in harmony—making the film as much a visual masterpiece as it is a musical one.

Introduction and Q & A after the film by artist, educator and filmmaker Gerard Amsellem.