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Have you ever wondered why some critics review films? They don't even seem to like movies that much from what they write. I LOVE movies, and think about them long after the last credits roll across the screen. My reviews are meant to inform, entertain and never have a spoiler.
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Sunday, April 01, 2018

A is for An American in Paris

A is for An American in Paris, a musical from 1951. It won six Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay for Alan Jay Lerner, Best Picture, Cinematography, Set Decoration, Costume Design, and Best Music (scoring of a musical picture). Although nominated, Vincente Minnelli did not win for Best Director.

The film takes place in post World War II Paris. GI Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) has remained in the city and is an artist, painting scenes of the beautiful city and selling them on the streets. Jerry as narrator introduces us to his story at the beginning of the film, and makes every movement in his very tiny apartment a dance.

His best friend, Adam Cook (Oscar Levant, who was a brilliant musician and composer), also lives in the building, and is a concert pianist lacking an audience. The third gentleman central to the story is a Frenchman, Henri Baurel (Georges Guétary) who is a stage entertainer.

The female interests are Milo Roberts (Nina Foch) and Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron). Milo decides to become a patron of the arts by promoting Jerry’s work, but not without some ulterior motives for she is attracted to Jerry.

The young Lise is engaged to Henri, but Jerry spies her in a club and goes after her. This really is how it looks; he practically stalks her. This is a part of the film that was not well written. We never see what the connections are between Lise and Jerry and why they are in love. Conversation is practically absent. What they do together is dance, and that of course is quite delightful. Leslie Caron was an accomplished ballet dancer, and her introduction to us through the love-smitten eyes of Henri showcases her talents in bold colors and variations of dance that really do her credit.

Even the relationship between Jerry and Milo is better defined in their dialogue and interactions. We know exactly what their relationship is and is not, and the two actors do a great job depicting it.

The film has some memorable songs, written by Ira Gershwin (lyrics) and George Gershwin (music). Gene Kelly choreographed all the dances, including the beautiful introduction to Lise, as well as the totally amped up fantasy dance sequence at the end of the film. He was quite a talent.

Nina Foch was a tall, beautiful blonde who had a long career in acting, and incidentally was married for a time to James Lipton of Inside the Actors Studio fame. She also taught acting classes. Oscar Levant was well known for keeping the music of George Gershwin alive after he died. It would have been lovely to hear him play on stage.

An American in Paris is a classic musical that is well worth your time. Have you seen it, and what are your thoughts about the relationship between Jerry and Lise? Despite my criticisms of that part of the story, I basically enjoy the film for the music and dancing, and for the Paris setting.

20 comments:

  1. Hi Sue - it was an interesting musical - and I didn't know the story - I went to see it in London with a South African friend when she visited before I came over here ... I probably need to see the film sometime - cheers Hilary

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    1. I saw the musical last year here at our big performing arts center. It was wonderful! The musical was just slightly different from the film. Both really good.

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  2. Great review of an excellent film and musical. I love this musical and the great dancing especially the sequences with Gene Kelly and the kids (Charlot!), The dance between Gene Kelly and that guy whose name I can’t recall and they dance with that old lady....so sweet. It’s funny. That Leslie Caron said that actor was sweet but very dumb...hahahaaa

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    1. Thanks for the compliment! Classic musical and dancing with lots to like!

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  3. I haven't watched the film. But I do enjoy watching the video clips of the dance sequences on Youtube...such glorious music and dancing in those old classics.

    Nilanjana
    Madly-in-Verse

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    1. Thanks for visiting. So great that we can watch the dancing from this film on Youtube now!

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  4. An absolute classic and Gene Kelly is one of my favourites of all time.
    https://iainkellywriting.com/2018/04/01/a-is-for-aarhus-denmark/

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    1. Gene Kelly really was a classic film star with such great dance moves.

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  5. I have not seen An American in Paris - some of my education when it comes to classic movies is lacking :) They really knew how to do musicals back then. Many thanks for the visit.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - Movie Monsters

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    1. It really is one of the better ones simply because of the dancing.

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  6. I like 'anchors aweigh' better, didn't care for the love story in 'an american in paris,' I guess I just like that it just seems far too serious than 'anchors aweigh'

    have a lovely day.

    my current a-z post is:
    A Crimson and Gold Morning

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    1. Thanks for reading my blog! I'll have to look up Anchors Aweigh, as I don't remember it if I did see it.

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  7. I was certain I had seen An American in Paris until I watched the trailer and realized I haven't! I'll add that to my list of movies to see! (I have a feeling my list is going to grow immensely this month!)

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    1. If you like dancing and musicals, you'll love this one! Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  8. I love this film! It's on TCM frequently so I've seen it a number of times there, but I've been tempted to purchase the DVD. Oscar Levant is one of my favorites--such a sardonic wit he was.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Getting the DVD would be a good investment. It's the sort of film to watch anytime you want to feel good! Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  9. I need to re-watch this - though remember I enjoyed the terrific dancing. You might like this You Tube composition - it's very clever - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1F0lBnsnkE&list=RDM1F0lBnsnkE

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    1. Thanks for the link to Uptown Funk. Love that dancing!

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  10. A gorgeous film, especially the dance sequences!

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    1. They are wonderful, as is the music!

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