Possessed[?] (Talley Beatty excerpt)
Film Identifier: F.2011-05-0038
Run Time
0h 3m 7s
0h 3m 7s
Format
16mm
16mm
Color
B&W
B&W
Sound
Silent
Silent
Abstract
This film represents a short excerpt of Talley Beatty dancing. The notes on the film canister and leader suggest he may be dancing an excerpt from "Possessed," a Ruth Page ballet choreographed in 1932. They also suggest that this excerpt may be intended for submission to NBC as part of a television special or as demonstrative of potential works to be performed live. The sets seem to match those of a 1938 performance of "Variations on Euclid," but it is not clear if this was filmed at that time or in 1950, when Beatty also participated in a performance of "Americans in Paris" during a European tour by Ruth Page & Bentley Stone's company.
This film represents a short excerpt of Talley Beatty dancing. The notes on the film canister and leader suggest he may be dancing an excerpt from "Possessed," a Ruth Page ballet choreographed in 1932. They also suggest that this excerpt may be intended for submission to NBC as part of a television special or as demonstrative of potential works to be performed live. The sets seem to match those of a 1938 performance of "Variations on Euclid," but it is not clear if this was filmed at that time or in 1950, when Beatty also participated in a performance of "Americans in Paris" during a European tour by Ruth Page & Bentley Stone's company.
Description
The film begins with a shot of an empty stage, but in moments Beatty bursts onto it, wearing only a pair of small shorts. He dances passionately, often looking up into the sky and reaching his limbs outward. He frequently articulates and arches his back. He also sometimes moves suddenly and dramatically, at once point falling to his knees and lying prone. After numerous kicks and jumps, as well as undulations of his trunk and hips, Beatty exits. The camera remains trained on the empty stage, and a suited man walks briefly through it. Eventually, the film ends.
The film begins with a shot of an empty stage, but in moments Beatty bursts onto it, wearing only a pair of small shorts. He dances passionately, often looking up into the sky and reaching his limbs outward. He frequently articulates and arches his back. He also sometimes moves suddenly and dramatically, at once point falling to his knees and lying prone. After numerous kicks and jumps, as well as undulations of his trunk and hips, Beatty exits. The camera remains trained on the empty stage, and a suited man walks briefly through it. Eventually, the film ends.
Actors, Performers and Participants
Beatty, Talley (is performer)
Genre
Form
Subject