Stars: The Royal Ballet, Lesley Collier, Michael Coleman, Brian Shaw, Royal Opera House Orchestra

Summary: A production of the ballet 'La Fille Mal Gardee' with music by Ferdinand Herold, performed by the Orchestra Of The Royal Opera House; conducted by John Lanchbery. Dancers include: Lesley Collier, Michael Coleman and Brian Shaw; directed by Norman Morrice. Choreography was by Frederick Ashton.

The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden performs Herold's "La Fille Mal Gardee" with choreography by Frederick Ashton. Two young lovers strive to overcome a disapproving mother and vast differences in social class. Ferdinand Herold's score is performed by the Royal Opera House Orchestra under the direction of John Lanchbery.

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La Fille Mal Gardée("The Unguarded Maiden"), perhaps the best-known work of composer Ferdinand Hérold, is here presented in a Royal Ballet production freely adapted, arranged and conducted by John Lanchbery. The unquestioned centre of attention is Royal Ballet superstar Lesley Collier who plays Lise, the beautiful farm girl whom her widowed mother (Brian Shaw) plans to marry to the eligible Alain (Garry Grant) despite Lise's love for young farmer Colas (Michael Coleman). This is a colourful pastoral romp with pause for tender and lyrical moments and plentiful opportunities for Collier to enchant her many admirers. Royal Ballet principal conductor Lanchbery--himself composer of the well-loved Tales of Beatrix Potter(1971)--brings all his flair for this sort of carefree entertainment to play and the result is delightful. Filmed for BBC television at Covent Garden in January 1981, the witty, energetic and romantic choreography is by Frederick Ashton (his dancing chickens are hilarious, as is Shaw's "clog dance" in Act Two) and the stage design by Osbert Lancaster, whose legacy adds charm to a much more recent BBC Royal Ballet film of Coppélia(2000). Hérold's score is filled with playfulness, melody and laughter, making this a very superior pantomime. --Gary S. Dalkin

On the DVD: Presented at the original 4:3 TV ratio, the focus is soft throughout and details lacking in long shots are reduced to a formless blur. The image looks washed-out, with colours missing any sparkle or depth. The live stereo sound is much better, being detailed, full, and free of the hiss one might expect from a TV soundtrack of this vintage. The disc offers one page of credits, a three-page synopsis and a web link. The drab black and white booklet repeats this information in more detail in various languages, but offers nothing on the performers, composer or conductor. --Gary S. Dalkin

Aspect Ratio:	4:3
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Weblink
Year:	1981
Release Date:	April 9, 2001
Runtime:	96 minutes
Certification:	Exempt.
Catalogue Number:	0630 19395 2
Label:	N V C Arts
Keywords:	Music, Ballet, Dance, Works, Fille, Mal, Gardee, Stage, Classical, La, Performing, Arts
Genre:	Music/Performing Arts