An American in Paris

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Mark B As far-fetched, silly and light-headed a movie as they come with virtually penniless artist Gene Kelly trying to scratch a living (but somehow still looking all neat and dandy and residing in a decent 1000 Euro-a-night room bang in the centre of Paris) even though his forte is singing and dancing.... so, he would have ditched the 'painting thing' long ago. Rich American heiress Nina Foch tries her best to seduce Kelly whilst pretending she likes his paintings and sets him up with his own studio AND even some paint and brushes. Errrr?? So how did he manage to paint beforehand? Kelly's moaning pianist American bezzie, Oscar Levant, who looks as if he's sucking a lemon throughout the movie, is virtually drowning in self-pity because no one will employ him, so he sponges off a conveyor belt of university grants whilst scrounging money off his rich and irritating friend, Georges Guetary, who so happens to be Leslie Caron's squeeze and also likes to suddenly break out into song to tell everyone how happy and talented he is. But oh no! It can't be? Yes, it is! As predictable as not walking further than 10 metres in Paris before stumbling across yet another pavement cafe, Kelly meets Caron and they fall in love...with each other, of course. Luckily, the clever sets are big enough to accommodate the couple's dance routines while Kelly's distinctive voice booms out, song after song. I admit, I don't like musicals as a rule, but I love films such as The Sound of Music and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang because they have pathos, drama, emotion, and a real, stick-on, plausible plot. AAIP is just a silly fantasy candy-floss-of-a-movie with an equally silly and ridiculous ending to match as Guetary (who mercifully has stopped singing by now) happily drives the woman he wanted to marry (Caron) to where Gene Kelly is waiting for her by a lamp-post by the River Seine, where of course they rush into each other's arms, madly in love but probably soon wondering where the next French Franc is going to come from. I admit that Gene Kelly was a highly talented dancer and singer (who can ever forget his iconic performance and THAT title song in Singin' in the Rain??) But this movie is like trying to fit a luxury size 11 shoe onto a size 6 foot. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review Dave B Thin plot? The thinnest--which leaves extra room for the wonderful cast, individually and together, to win you over in a way--ask yourself--maybe no other movie ever has. Oscar Levant alone (as more or less himself--look it up) would steal the show, if stealing this show were possible. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/15/24 Full Review Autumn M An American in Paris is a typical mid-century musical about love, misunderstandings and dancing. No one will deny that Gene Kelly was the best dancer of his generation. However, his character in AAP was absolutely unrelatable with his obnoxious attitude and air of self-importance. The supporting characters were either one-dimension or just as annoying as the lead. Gene Kelly never should have gotten the girl. What he should have gotten is a good kick in the behind and a lesson in manners. The paper thin plot and writing did not do this musical any favors. Not recommended Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/02/23 Full Review Crom W Gene Kelly in great form and fine performance by Leslie Caron, but no match for Singing in the Rain. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Great musical score and some of the dance numbers, but ranks miles behind The Band Wagon and Chicago. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review panayiota k Although plotless and under 50s standards, the dancing sequences are magical. Very talented dancers and creative choreographies. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

An American in Paris

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