X
- 1951
- Approved
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- 1 h 54 m
- 1951
- Approved
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- 1 h 54 m
Summary Three friends struggle to find work in Paris. Things become more complicated when two of them fall in love with the same woman.
Directed By: Vincente Minnelli
Written By: Alan Jay Lerner
- 1951
- Approved
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- 1 h 54 m
- 1951
- Approved
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- 1 h 54 m
An American in Paris
6.9
Where to Watch
Summary Three friends struggle to find work in Paris. Things become more complicated when two of them fall in love with the same woman.
Directed By: Vincente Minnelli
Written By: Alan Jay Lerner
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 18 Critic Reviews
83
78% Positive
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
17% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
6% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 18 Critic Reviews
83
78% Positive
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
17% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
6% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
One of the supreme romantic musicals. To see Kelly hoofing atop Oscar Levant's piano, suavely partnering Leslie Caron along the banks of the River Seine and exulting in her love in the final sequence is to behold the film musical near its apex. [2 Oct 1992, p.L]
Kelly is superb as dancer and comedian, but a little less than that as a singer of Gershwin songs. Leslie Caron, who dances like an angel, is no beauty, according to Hollywood standards, but she is endowed with great grace and personal charm. She is an exquisite dancer. An American in Paris, in short, is definitely a picture to see.
While not nearly the musical it's cracked up to be, this 1951 film is absolutely required viewing for anyone who wants to see the studio system (MGM style) at its gaudiest, most Byzantine height. Art and technology have never been in closer harmony than in this Vincente Minnelli-directed rendition of George Gershwin's concert masterpiece.
The most distinctive things about the film are possibly Caron's personae-montage at the beginning, which showcases her virtuoso dance moves, and the final fantasy sequence, which resolves (a little hurriedly) the emotional obstacles to their love. An exotically contrived romance.
Perhaps the best thing that can be said about An American in Paris is that it led directly to the production of Singin' in the Rain. Without the former, there might not have been the latter. Gene Kelly remains one of the best and brightest of the Golden Era musical stars and An American in Paris shows him in fine form. The movie should be remembered for that quality rather than for its questionable Oscar triumph.
The plotting - Kelly's struggling painter falls for Leslie Caron's French waif, engaged to nice but dull Georges Guétary - lacks the pace, exuberance and wit of, say, Singin' In The Rain, but compensates with fantastic Technicolor visuals..., George Gershwin's sublime music (pick of the tunes: I've Got Rhythm, S'Wonderful and Our Love Is Here To Stay), sublime art direction from the great Cedric Gibbons and astounding choreography and footwork from Kelly.
Nice period detail, a few cute situations, one half-interesting character and three laughs, that’s the pickle this picture puts itself in.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 User Ratings
6.9
88% Positive
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
6% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
6% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 User Ratings
6.9
88% Positive
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
6% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
6% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 6 Wins & 8 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Writers Guild of America, USA
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
