Moulin Rouge

Directed by John Huston, 1952
NR; 120 minutes

Moulin Rouge stands out as a truly artistic production flawlessly directed by John Huston and presenting superb performances by [José] Ferrer, Colette Marchand, and Suzanne Flon, and Technicolor photography of a beauty rarely achieved on the screen.” —The Hollywood Reporter

This visually exquisite biopic of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (José Ferrer) perfectly captures the spirit of bohemian Paris in the naughty 1890s. Portrayed as an embittered loner, the artist is tormented by his doomed relationships with prostitute Marie Charlet (Colette Marchand) and sympathetic model Myriamme (Suzanne Flon).

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

This December, enter the world of classic cinematic musicals. Whether you're a lifelong fan of musicals or discovering these masterpieces for the first time, this is a series you won't want to miss.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.