(Jacques Demy, UK 1972, 90 min, 35mm)

Pop music superstar Donovan provides the tunes and stars as the title character in this fairy tale for adults from the director of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Adapted from Robert Browning’s poem and the original Brothers Grimm story set during the 14th century, the familiar narrative tells of a talented piper hired by a corrupt Burgomaster to rid his tiny village of an oversized population of rats. Demy’s politically engaged gem features a supporting cast of great British character actors, including John Hurt, Donald Pleasence, Michael Hordern, and the late Jack Wild (Oliver!). This screening of a new 35mm print will conclude a North American tour of The Pied Piper arranged by George Eastman House in collaboration with Paramount Pictures.