In the Street, 1948-A Film by Helen Levitt, ft. New Musical Score by Ben Model | From the Vaults

Filmed in East Harlem just after the end of World War II, “In the Street” is a dynamic, tender, and often humorous portrait of life in New York City: children dance and play in alleyways, shopkeepers sweep the sidewalks, onlookers watch from their windows. This captivating film presents the bustling theater of city life, where “every human is a poet, a masker, a warrior, a dancer.” Directed by the renowned photographer Helen Levitt, in collaboration with Janice Loeb and James Agee, and featuring a new musical score written and performed by Ben Model.
Fun fact: This short film was a favorite of Charlie Chaplin’s, who was so delighted by one of the dancing boys that he allegedly jumped up during the viewing and mimicked the toddler’s moves.
To learn more about Ben Model, please visit: www.silentfilm...
As part of The Met’s 150th anniversary in 2020, each month we will release three to four films from the Museum’s extensive moving-image archive, which comprises over 1,500 films, both made and collected by the Museum, from the 1920s onward. This includes rarely seen artist profiles and documentaries, as well as process films about art-making techniques and behind-the-scenes footage of the Museum.
New films every week: www.metmuseum....
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[@K-FOREST_Original]

Yes, this is life.

[@englishbulldoglover2258]

A much different time. Those were neighborhoods where people interacted knew each other, depended on each other. The musical accompaniment was so appropriate, human.

[@DrMAHMMuseumAtHomeinMusic]

🌸🌺🌼🍀💐☘⚘🌱

[@justinwhite6787]

Beautifully put. Thank you.

[@j.r.mccalla8662]

Well done. Thank you.

[@jd-hj5ed]

When I watch old movies like this one, I wonder how many of them are still alive? What were their lives like? The music you composed goes masterfully with this video. It was a treat for the ears and eyes.

[@olivetomlinson6296]

A beautiful film! I wa born in the Bronx, NY. The streets were slightly nicer but this film evokes the NY streets where we played.

[@spjew]

Amazing, loved it!!!!!!!!! Music was incredible!!!!!!

[@user-js3or2nu6k]

The streets of the poor quarters of great cities are, above all , a theater and a battleground

[@user-js3or2nu6k]

There, unaware and unnoticed, every human being is a poet, a masker, a warrior, a dancer: and in his innocent artistry he projects, against the turmoil of the street, an image of human existence.

[@veronicacurrie1134]

Beautiful music it speaks and is perfect for this wonderful film

[@JosephBayot]

What a beautiful score for this wonderful film. Thank you for sharing!

[@shadowraith1]

An interesting look back with excellent scoring. Through the looking glass . :) :) :)

[@azbahansari]

Loved it!

[@thelaughingtiger146]

Thank you, poignant and with beauty.

[@markhh]

What a beautiful and thought provoking film. Thank you for showing it. Ben, you have so much insight. Your score seemed true, effortless and was masterfully crafted.

[@BenedictHarris]

Great movie! Great music!

[@PaciSandy]

Your music is a wonderful accompaniment to Helen Levitt’s delightful film showing street life in late 1940s NYC.

[@nancyblum12]

Great job, Ben. Your beautiful music enhances this great short film. Thank you.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

I liked hearing your process, Ben! It sounds like you had the opposite process of what Disney did with Fantasia, and I think you did a great job!

[@Metromania2022]

I grew up in those streets from 1981 to 1997. My whole family lives there.

[@saturnsdaughter568]

Loved this! Great video!

[@Bigsinglecoils]

Beautiful.

[@Metromania2022]

I grew up there and not much changed from that time to the 80s.

[@liberispuritatem]

16:40 grumpy old man gotta clean after the flour wars 😂

[@TahtahmesDiary]

5:20 🤗💜💜💜

[@oklahuma]

Was this a new scan of the film? Or taken from the Library of Congress? It seems like a better scan would be possible.

[@Daisytoo]

I much prefer the music from the other version I just watched ...music by Olafur Aanur .. Beth's Theme, less interference, way more grace.