I have always been a great admirer of the team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, who made such strange, astonishing films as “The Red Shoes” (1948) and “The Tales of Hoffmann” (1951). Yet somehow I never encountered this one until a couple of years ago. It was made by Powell alone, after the two had amicably split to pursue their own projects.

“Honeymoon” (1959) reunited Powell with legendary Ballets Russes principal dancer and choreographer Léonide Massine, for a film based in part on Manuel de Falla’s ballet “El Amor Brujo” (here translated as “Bewitched Love”). Massine created the role of the Miller in Falla’s “The Three-Cornered Hat” with the Ballets Russes and a specially-assembled all-Spanish company, back in 1919. Naturally, after his turn as the sinister shoemaker in “The Red Shoes,” Massine assumes the role of the creepy Ghost. Sir Thomas Beecham conducts.

If you can’t be bothered to watch the whole thing – and you should – check out the freaky graveyard scene at 6:49 (linked below). It leads directly into the ballet’s most famous music, the “Ritual Fire Dance.” Like a Goya painting brought to life.

Alicia de Larrocha gives “Ritual Fire Dance” a whirl at the piano.

Manuel de Falla plays his Harpsichord Concerto, a very different piece.

Documentary, “When the Fire Burns: The Life and Music of Manuel de Falla” (1991)

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Manuel de Falla!