Love at first growl

Only the French could make the story of a beautiful young girl falling in love with a man turned beast romantic. Many others have made the attempt: Disney, ice skaters and made-for-television movie execs. Yet no version has been as captivating as the 1946 film La Belle et La Bête. First of all, the more recent productions didn’t have Jean Marais as the Beast and Josette Day as Belle—two iconic French actors. Secondly, the 1946 version weaves in Cinderella-esque elements as two selfish and evil sisters treat a do-rag-wearing Belle like a servant. There are no singing pots, cute cups with chipped teeth or obsessive-compulsive candlestick holders—instead, the castle is haunted by moving statues that blow smoke out of their noses. Plus, there’s creepy background music that sounds like ghosts wailing. Auburn Library’s monthly Silver Screen Classic Movies series will screen the film Saturday, January 2, at 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. That means there are three chances to see an amazing classic fairy tale for free. Don’t blow it.

La Belle et La Bête will show at Auburn Library, 350 Nevada Street in Auburn; (530) 886-4500; http://auburnsilverscreen.com.