Screening

About Humoresque

Year Released:

1946

Genres:

Drama

Metadata:

Directed by Jean Negulesco

Paul (John Garfield) is a talented violinist who rises from a working-class background to the upper echelons of society, thanks to the patronage of wealthy, alcoholic Helen (Joan Crawford). But as Paul’s star begins to rise and the two fall in love, she becomes jealous of the fact that his true passion is dedicated to the music he performs so exquisitely. The extraordinary score for Humoresque was orchestrated by Franz Waxman, one of the great composers of the period (Rebecca, The Philadelphia Story, Sunset Boulevard, Rear Window). Isaac Stern—considered one of the great violinists of the modern era—was just 25 at the time of filming, served as a musical advisor on the film, and performed all of the violin music of the fictional Paul. Stern’s fingers are in the movie, but most of the visual playing was done with Garfield’s face in the shot, one professional violinist crouching behind him and playing the left-hand parts and another crouching in front of him and playing the bow. 16mm print courtesy of the UCLA Film and Television Archive. Programmed by IU Cinema’s Events and Operations Manager Jessica Davis Tagg. (16mm Presentation)