Powell and Pressburger’s cinematic classic ‘The Red Shoes’ turns 75 this year. To mark the anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale-turned-visually stunning film, the BFI is opening a free exhibition following lead actor Moira Shearer, who was 21 during the filming, and her personal story through the production as well as casting an eye over the iconic dance film’s legacy. Vistors will be able to see material preserved by the BFI National Archive from the film, which follows Victoria Page (played by Shearer) as she secures the top spot of prima ballerina at the Ballet Lermontov and becomes beguiled by a pair of magic red slippers and becomes consumed by the part she dances.
See hand-illustrated sketches and designs, photography, poster art, ephemera, costumes and video installations, including around 100 unseen costume and production designs. Plus treatments, scripts and behind-the-scenes photographs. Highlights include two pairs of THE red shoes, personal items from Shearer’s family estate and Michael Powell’s viewfinder and 16mm camera used in ‘Peeping Tom’.