Filmed on the stage of The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, director Paul Czinner's outstanding film showcases prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn in what was her first feature film. Partnered by Michael Somes, this DVD takes acts from three of the most well-known and admired pieces of ballet in the world:

Ondine
A showpiece for Margot Fonteyn, who owed much of her success to the tailor-made role that Ashton created for her. Seats for every performance of this ballet were sold out within two weeks of opening.

The Firebird
In which Michael Somes as Prince Ivan Tsarevitch was said to be unsurpassed by any living dancer. It is a riot of colour and action, ably showcasing Stravinsky's haunting music.

Swan Lake (Act II)
This shows the Royal Ballet Company at its classical best. With Tchaikovsky's enchanting music it brings contrast to the modernism of Ondine and the excitement of The Firebird.

A collection of films made by Tony Palmer for the long-running ITV culture series The South Bank Show, released to coincide with the programme's demise in 2009 after a lifespan of over 30 years. Films included are: 'Maria Callas: Callas', 'William Walton: At the Haunted End of the Day', 'Margot Fonteyn: Margot', 'Stravinsky: Once at a Border', 'Benjamin Britten: A Time There Was.', 'John Adams: Hail Bop! - A Portrait of John Adams', 'Renee Fleming: Miss Renee Fleming', 'Malcolm Arnold: Toward the Unknown Region', 'Henryk Gorecki: The Symphony of Sorrowful Songs', 'Berlioz: I, Berlioz' and 'Michael Crawford: The Fantastic World of Michael Crawford'.