Elaine: A Story of Lost Love (1976)
Adapted from an obscure Guy de Maupassant novella, lifted from a paperback bought by Meaney as an undergrad for 99 cents. What’s evident is Horn’s fascination for squared-off blocking and choreography, including a glimpse at a performance of Orpheus and Eurydice in minature. Star Adam Macadam brought on other members of Charles Ludlam’s Ridiculous Theater Company, many of whom would return to work on DOOMED LOVE. Featuring ancient costumes on loan from the Metropolitan Opera (repurposed from early twentieth century productions of Tosca and La Traviata), ELAINE aspires to high gothic on a shoestring budget. Horn and Meaney shot at locations including the Morris-Jumel Mansion in Washington Heights, the Frick, and the Carnegie Hall Cinema, then operated by Sid Geffen and Jackie Raynal – the programmers responsible for hosting the first-ever New York City screenings of films by Marguerite Duras, an influence on the filmmakers (alongside Daniel Schmid, Douglas Sirk and Alain Resnais.)
Directors: Andrew Horn, John Meaney.
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Adam Macadam as Maupassant |
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Black-Eyed Susan as Elaine |
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Brien Coleman as Dore Monserrat |
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Lisa Jane Persky as Felicie |
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Lola Pashalinski as Baroness Peterat |
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Rene Machado as Orpheus |
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Duncan Hannah as Julien |
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Ethyl Eichelberger as Ghost |
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Bill Gehr as Voice of Ghost |
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Jack Mallory as Secretary |
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Georg Osterman as Young Man |
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Richard Gibbs as Doctor |
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Kitty Sandern as Young Lady |
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Cynthia Millman as Eurydice |
| Directing | Andrew Horn | Director |
| Writing | Guy de Maupassant | Original Story |
| Directing | John Meaney | Director |
