This just sounds too weird to ignore. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Goethe-Institut Washington will screen “East Side Story (Sozialistische Musicals)“, a German documentary about movie musicals done during the height of the Cold War that have Europeans singing and dancing about socialism. Sounds like some retro-fun! From the website:

As a whole, the Iron Curtain countries were not known for their gaiety or joie de vivre, but between the cracks of stark Socialist realism, there somehow appeared a few films that offered their audiences escape, hope and hit songs — served up with color, elaborate sets, extravagant musical numbers and, sometimes, even Cinemascope and stereo sound. Is it possible that in this seemingly no-win situation some good films were actually made?

This is a great idea for anyone still looking for that perfect Valentine’s present, because really, who doesn’t love a good, socialist musical? At any rate, it beats your standard teddy bear and stale chocolate hearts by a mile.

“East Side Story” (Sozialistische Musicals)
Tonight, 6:30 p.m.
Goethe-Institute Washington, 812 Seventh St. NW
(202) 289-1200, Tickets: $6 / $4