Le Parfum de la dame en noir

The woman in black wears a distinctive scent but who is she? Adapted from the crime novel by Gaston Leroux of Phantom of the Opera fame, the aristocratic interiors and sunny locations around the Côte d’Azur provide a setting for a darker story of mystery and illusion. From its opening credits emblazoned on a perfume bottle, the film is another remarkable celebration of an all-encompassing cinematic style. L’Herbier’s camera glides seamlessly along Pierre Schild’s formidable Art Deco interiors (note the menacing grills and other intricately crafted detailing) and Jacques Manuel’s costumes that include some boldly graphic outfits and uber-elegant evening wear.

Preceded by an introduction by Mireille Beaulieu, cinema historian