Film still of Körhinta (Merry-Go-Round ) © Terez Schandl HNFA
1955: Hungarian Cinema takes its place in the sun with Korhinta
Zoltán Fábri ranks among the favourites to win the Palme d’or with Korhinta (Merry-Go-Round). It's the eighth Festival, Marcel Pagnol is Jury president and Hungarian cinema dominates as the whole world watches, with the third film by a director who breaks the rules of a cinema tainted by Stalinism. Today Cannes Classics rediscovers that work.
"Land marries land." Mari's father wants to marry her to an old, rich famer who he does business with. But the young girl's heart yearns for Maté. To experience this love, Mari must struggle against her father, her village and against the deep-rooted conventions of rural life.
The press are unanimous: "The film's warm humanity conquers all", "brilliant cinematic writing and some bravura moments", "technical boldness which blends well with the story". There is an endless flow of praise from the critics, including from a certain François Truffaut, who was just taking his first steps as a filmmaker. He wrote in the magazine Arts at the time:
“Here, finally, for what it’s worth, are my personal award-winners. Grand prix: Merry-Go-Round. Best Actress award: Mari Törőcsik for Merry-Go-Round. »
A star is born. Mari Törőcsik is 20 years old when Korhinta is made. Once her career takes off, she works non-stop and picks up the Cannes Best Actress award in 1976 for her role in Déryné, Hol Van?(Mrs Dery Where Are You?) tied with Dominique Sanda for The Inheritance(L'eredita Ferramonti).
Scan and 4K digital restoration from original 35mm negatives and sound, from the original internegative and from a positive copy. Restoration carried out by the Hungarian National Film Fund-Hungarian Filmlab.
