Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

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There is not a great deal of film of Svetlana Beriosova in performance so it was wonderful when a very kind friend sent me the movie with this solo.

Robert Helpmann also dances in the movie, joining the ballerina at the end of her solo. He makes a fine job of performing with his long devil’s tail!

It may be Helpmann’s last dance appearance on film.

IMDb says of the movie:

“A combination of story, melodrama and ballet sets the stage for some of Stravinsky's most brilliant music. This terrific film adaption of The Soldier's Tale offers rare footage of the Royal Ballet's Svetlana Beriosova, who performs in an extended dance sequence towards the story's end. Meanwhile, Robert Helpmann is in his element as the Devil, being the natural choice to play the eight different roles of the Devil using his brilliant talent for mime, dance and acting. Actor Brian Phelan does a fine job as the hapless soldier.”