Golden Coach (Blu-ray)

François Truffaut described The Golden Coach as “the noblest and most refined film ever made”. Set to the music of Antonio Vivaldi and with the vivacious Anna Magnani (Rome, Open City), Jean Renoir’s ravishing, sumptuous tribute to theatre involves a viceroy who receives an exquisite golden coach and gives it to the tempestuous star of a touring commedia dell’arte company. Set in Peru in the eighteenth century, The Golden Coach follows Camilla (Magnani), the star of a theater company, who hesitates to choose between the advances of three men. The Viceroy gives her his magnificent golden coach. A young Spanish officer suggests the two of them settle down together. Ramon, a torero, offers her a share of his glory.

Alternate French audio track | Audio commentary by film critic Adam Nayman