I Saw this movie in 1984 when it was screened on local TV. I did not bother to tape it as it was so good I felt it would be repeated. 20 years later it still hasn't been shown and until last year it was unavailable. Kino released it on DVD and I got my copy this year. A true Gem of operatic proportions. The Songs are poignant, moving and strong. "Timid Frieda", for example, moves me to tears every time I see the clip. "Mareke" sung by Elly Stone in that harsh way in Flemish virtually rips the heart out. "Les Bourgeoise" or "The Middle Class" as it is called on this disc is extremely funny but it contains within it the seeds of warning of our impending old age as the characters disappear into the bar and re-emerge having aged by 20 or 30 years.
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