An American In Paris

"Jerry, if it means anything to you, I love you." Lise Bouvier

☆☆☆☆☆ Classic 


An American in Paris (1951) is dazzling and imaginative in its dance and musical numbers.


Directed by Vincente Minnelli.


Starring Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Nina Foch, Georges Guetary and Oscar Levant among others.


Minnelli's film caught me off guard with its dark innuendos of kept men and women amongst a happy, frivolous musical. The music and especially the 16 minute ballet at the end is dazzling and worth the $500,000 it cost. Vincente manages to add humor in the most interesting places, such as when Oscar starts daydreaming he is doing a piano concert and as the scene progresses Minnelli gradually reveals that Levant is all the characters in the concert as well as an audience member clapping happily at end of scene.

In the scene below Nina is trying to seduce Gene with money. Nina wants a kept man she can control and Gene wants no part of it. It's a great scene, handled superbly by Minnelli camera positions. Gene and Leslie have incredible chemistry throughout the film. Nina has the unenviable task of being the heavy between Kelly and Caron and handles it well.

Film Scene

Trivia - Leslie Caron was discovered by Gene Kelly while vacationing in Paris where he saw her perform in a ballet. It was Leslie's first film role.

Film Trailer

Film Photos - Posters

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Film Transcript