Humoresque

1946 - 125 mins - Director: Jean Negulesco - Cast: John Garfield, Joan Crawford - b&w - 35mm

Paul Boray (John Garfield) fights his way out of the New York City ghetto—not with his fists but with the hands and heart of a concert violinist. His meteoric rise is funded by wealthy art patron Helen Wright (Joan Crawford) who, despite being married, falls desperately in love with her protégé. Their tumultuous relationship brings personal and professional fulfillment but, ultimately, tragedy. 

Humoresque is the rare melodramatic artifice that is profoundly affecting, thanks to a mesmerizing performance by John Garfield and, arguably, the most deeply felt portrayal of Joan Crawford’s career. Oscar Levant, supplying much of his own dialogue, is memorable as Garfield’s boyhood chum and accompanist. The score features works by Brahms, Chopin, Dvořák, Gershwin, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, von Suppé, Wagner, and more, all under the musical direction of Leo Forbstein and conducted by the great Franz Waxman. Waxman specifically wrote the 'Carmen Fantasie' for Humoresque, based on various themes from Bizet's opera. Isaac Stern acted as the film's musical advisor and violin soloist.

Presented on a 35mm Film Print Preserved by the Library of Congress.

This screening is in memory of Casey LaLonde, Joan Crawford’s grandson and a friend of the Ambler Theater.

CREDITS
Director: Jean Negulesco
Cast: Joan Crawford, John Garfield, Oscar Levant
Screenplay: Clifford Odets, Zachary Gold
Cinematographer: Ernest Haller
Music: Franz Waxman
Studio: Warner Brothers
Presentation: 35mm / b&w / 1.37:1