Jerry Mulligan (Kelly), a young American and World War II vet, stays on in Paris after the war, trying to make a living as a painter. Milo Roberts (Foch), a wealthy but possessive would-be patron, tries to take care of Jerry, but meanwhile he falls in love with Lise Bouvier (Caron), a young French girl engaged to a cabaret singer. While the romantic problems get worked out, Jerry hangs with his buddy Adam Cook, a dour musician who fantasizes about being a concert pianist. This 1951 film directed by Vincente Minnelli swept the Academy Awards, winning Oscars for best picture, screenplay, score, cinematography, art direction, set design, and a special award for its 18-minute fantasy ballet extravaganza that visually quotes Impressionist painters Dufy, Manet, Utrillo, Rousseau, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec. A rather flimsy story propped up by Gershwin melodies and lyrics by young Alan Jay Lerner long before he was to do Brigadoon, Gigi, My Fair Lady, and Camelot, the movie has not worn quite as well as "Singin' in the Rain" but is notable for the energy and verve of Kelly and Caron, and peppy color and sets.
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The review of this Movie prepared by David Loftus
It was 1951's Best Picture of the year winner, and small wonder. Combining the established talents of Gene Kelly and introducing Leslie Caron, Paris, the City of Lights,
was never this illuminating! Nor so danceable! Kelly is Jerry Mulligan, an American in Paris trying to establish himself as an artist in post World War II Paris. He meets Miss Caron and his paint brushes and easel are set aside, at least for the moment, as “true love could never be truer”! Alas, it seems she is destined to marry another, and Kelly sets out to work his magic. And work it he does. Who can forget the choreography and the dance
routines Kelly performs. Directed by Vincent Minnelli, the music is by George and Ira Gershwin. Enough said?
The review of this Movie prepared by Bill Hobbs