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W E D N E S D A Y

Jacques Demy’s first and in many ways best feature, shot in black-and-white ‘Scope by Raoul Coutard, Lola is one of the most neglected of all the major works of the French New Wave. Abandoned by her sailor lover, Lola, a cabaret dancer, brings up their son while waiting for his return and ultimately has to choose between three men. Chock-full of film references (to The Blue Angel, Max Ophuls, and Hollywood musicals, among other things) and lyrical uses of Nantes, where the story is set, Demy uses his camera-stylo to write romantic love letters, and Michel Legrand’s score provides ideal nostalgic accompaniment. Tonight at 9 p.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center’s American Film Institute Theater. $6. (202) 785-4600. (Dave Kehr)