Nureyev's Don Quixote / Lanchbery, Nureyev, Helpmann, Aldous, Australian Ballet
This 1973 film treatment of the ballet classicDon Quixotehas a  spaciousness, a freedom of movement often missing when a staged ballet production is taped for television. It captures the art of Rudolf Nureyev at the height of his powers, both as a dancer and as a choreographer. With distinguished supporting performances by Robert Helpmann and Lucette Aldous, the production balances lyric and narrative elements, wit and pathos, satire and idealism, with virtuoso solo and ensemble dancing.Nureyev, a perfectionist, had an enormous airplane hangar in Australia   transformed into a studio for the 25 days he spent dancing and shooting this  episode in the crazy life of Cervantes's mock-epic hero. The routine  19th-century score by Ludwig Minkus has been modestly upgraded by conductor John Lanchbery, contributing positively to the performance's energy.--Joe  McLellan