Andersen Rarities

part of Mermaids and Match Girls - A 200th Anniversary Celebration of Hans Christian Andersen

Sun 13 2.00 Barbican

These three rarely seen films offer an exciting adventure in cinema for young audiences.

The Little Match Girl (La Petite Marchande d'Allumettes)
Overcome by cold, the little match girl falls into a deep sleep and starts to dream. She finds herself in a toyshop surrounded by toys that have come to life. Renoir's vision of Andersen's most tragic story offers a perfect introduction to the magic and emotion of silent cinema.

France 1928 Dir. Jean Renoir, Jean Tédesco 29 min.

Plus The Nightingale
Andersen's sad tale of the Emperor of China, a kitchen maid and a nightingale is told in a rich mix of model animation (based on Chinese ivory figures) and live action.

UK 1981 Dir. Christine Edzard 146 min.

Plus The Flying Suitcase (Der Fliegende Koffer)
This is one of the very earliest films made by the great animator. Reiniger's style strongly evokes the simple paper cut-out silhouettes that Andersen made throughout his life.

Germany 1921 Dir. Lotte Reiniger 8 min.