Tradition and modernity collide as prideful, fading aristocrat Biswambhar (Chhabi Biswas) becomes intent on mounting opulent music performances at his palatial home, despite his declining fortunes. Echoes of Charles Foster Kane and Xanadu abound in Ray’s poignant, sumptuous drama. Jalsaghar is also a prime showcase for performances by such icons of Indian music as Begum Akhtar, Roshan Kumari, and Bismillah Khan.

Director: Satyajit Ray. Cast: Chhabi Biswas, Begum Akhtar, Gangapada Basu, Bismillah Khan. 1958. 100 minutes. India. B&W. Bengali. 35mm. Restored by the Satyajit Ray Preservation Project at the Academy Film Archive with funding from the Film Foundation. Print courtesy of the Academy Film Archive.

All film screenings of Satyajit Ray: 1955–1968 are available here.