Moira Shearer made her debut as a famous ballerina who must choose between her art and her private life in this ravishing Technicolor drama, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story and considered by many to be the best ballet film ever made.

• Written by Powell, Pressburger, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. Photographed by Jack Cardiff, Christopher Challis. With Moira Shearer, Anton Wolbrook, Leonide Massine. (133 mins, Color, 35mm, From MGM)