David Lichine Nana Gollner in Spring Night - score by Joseph Achron

This is an early experimental ballet film - choreographed and danced by David Lichine and the beautiful American dancer Nana Gollner. The score is from Joseph Achron, who also wrote Hebrew Melody. His friend the composer Arnold Schönberg described Achron in his obituary as "one of the most underrated modern composers". This film's creative origins lie in the Diaghilev sphere of influence.

Produced by Adolf Zucker, long-lived pioneer of the film industry. Made in 1935, only 6 years after the death of Diaghilev. Lichine danced with and choreographed for Colonel de Basil's Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Elegant camera work by George Clemens, who went on to do the cinematography for the Twilight Zone and other popular television shows.

The conductor, C. Bakaleinikoff, was a Russian-born composer. He studied at the Moscow Conservatory. Following the Russian revolution he migrated to the United States of America with his older brother, composer Mischa Bakaleinikoff.

David Lichine was married to Tania Riabuchinska, one of Balanchine's Baby Ballerinas.

Faune - David Lichine
Young Girl - Nana Gollner
The Chef - Micheal Visaroff
The Father - Charles Arnt

Music - Joseph Achron
Cinematography - George T. Clemens
Photographer - Ned Scott
Orchestrator - Edward B. Powell
Conductor - C. Bakaleinikoff
Choreographer - David Lichine
Producer - Adolf Zucker
Director - Tatiana Tuttle

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ballet
• russe
• de
• monte
• carlo;
• david
• lichine;
• nana
• gollner;
• diaghilev;
• nijinsky;
• faune;
• riabuchinska;
• colonel
• basil;
• adolf
• zucker
• george
• clemens;
• baby
• ballerinas;
• c.
• bakaleinikoff;
• ned
• scott;
• edward
• b.
• powell;
• achron'
• charles
• arnt;
• michael
• visaroff;
• balanchine;
• ballets
• russes

[qbendanny1]

Love the tear at the end! Stunning. And no dialogue.

[jkircher314]

This film motivated me to set up a YT account. So beautiful and rare, I wanted to share it. Thanks for your comment.

[mdmorell]

My father, John Morell, danced with Lichine's company in LA and toured with them in Spain in the 50's.

[H20RIDER]

I took ballet at his and Tatiana's Beverly Hills studio and he was a friend of my parents. It is so good to see him in this film. Thank you.

[NewAgeDirector]

Great video keep up the good work.

[clasica2videos]

Nice, very nice!

[pslogge]

Simply amazing. Mesmerizing filming and lights.

[JanetteHeffernan]

So Interesting. First time I have seen Lichine dance. He was a brilliantl choreographer. I was in his Nutcracker for the original Festival Ballet production in 1958 and I still like his party scene the best. His Mirlitons were a delight. However as a man he was a tyrant and everyone was scared stiff of him. His temper was unreal. Because he did not like my party dress he ripped it off me in front of the press. He knew it would have to be remade. I was so embarrassed as I was only 15. Ah me!

[arunah11]

Most charming !

[paulostroff99]

CurzonRoad-Look at my humble little comment on this below-just one short day ago. Always a pleasure to hear from you anyhow.

[CurzonRoad]

Ah, so we meet again, Paulo, and as always in the best of company! With thanks to jkircher314 for this wonderful posting. In grateful appreciation. Doug --

[Kievest]

Sublime eloquence without a word

spoken...luminous film of rare

beauty and expression! Very much

like Eisenstein in its facial close ups!

A walk through the paradise garden!

Thank you for uploading this touching

classic!

[younglemeshevist]

Thank you very much for this rare video. The ballet is beautiful