An American in Paris Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An American dude living in Paris paints, dances, and annoys a bunch of people until a girl picks him over her current boyfriend…with a 20-minute fever dream ballet sequence in the middle.

🍿 An American in Paris: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Jerry and his Parisian Life

Jerry Mulligan, a former American GI, decides to stay in Paris after World War II to pursue his dream of becoming a painter. He lives a bohemian lifestyle, selling his art on the streets. He befriends Adam Cook, an acerbic but talented concert pianist who provides a humorous counterpoint to Jerry’s exuberance. Jerry’s life revolves around art, friendship, and the vibrant atmosphere of post-war Paris.

Milo’s Patronage and Jerry’s Indifference

Jerry’s life takes a turn when he meets Milo Roberts, a wealthy American heiress who is drawn to his art and, more significantly, to Jerry himself. Milo becomes his patron, providing him with a studio and opportunities to showcase his work. However, Jerry remains largely indifferent to Milo’s romantic advances, seeing her more as a means to further his artistic ambitions.

The Arrival of Lise and the Love Triangle

Jerry’s world is truly turned upside down when he encounters Lise Bouvier, a young French woman, at a perfume shop. He is immediately smitten and relentlessly pursues her, despite her initial reluctance. What Jerry doesn’t know is that Lise is engaged to Henri Baurel, a popular French entertainer and a friend of Adam’s, creating a complex love triangle with layers of personal obligation and budding romance.

Complications and Confessions

As Jerry and Lise’s feelings for each other intensify, Lise struggles with her loyalty to Henri, who saved her family during the war. The situation comes to a head at a masked ball, where Milo realizes Jerry’s disinterest and Lise’s impending marriage to Henri is revealed. The emotional turmoil leads to a confrontation where Lise confesses her love for Jerry, overheard by Henri.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly): An American ex-GI and struggling painter in Paris who falls in love with a young French woman.
• Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron): A young French woman torn between her love for Jerry and her engagement to Henri.
• Milo Roberts (Nina Foch): A wealthy American heiress who becomes Jerry’s patron and is romantically interested in him.
• Adam Cook (Oscar Levant): An acerbic, would-be concert pianist and Jerry’s close friend who provides comedic relief.
• Henri Baurel (Georges Guétary): A charming French cabaret singer engaged to Lise, adding to the romantic conflict.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jerry Mulligan: “I’m an American in Paris. The charm is everywhere.” – Jerry’s opening narration, setting the stage for his life and love of Paris.
• Jerry Mulligan: “That’s… quite a dress you almost have on.” – Jerry’s flirtatious comment to Milo, highlighting her daring fashion sense.
• Milo Roberts: “What holds it up?” – Inquiring about the dress and setting up the following line.
• Milo Roberts: “Modesty.” – Her witty reply to Jerry, showcasing her sophistication and confidence.
• Adam Cook: “I’ve got everything but talent.” – Adam’s self-deprecating humor reflects his struggles as a concert pianist.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,723,903
• Domestic Gross: $267,824
• Worldwide Gross: $275,077

💥 An American in Paris Reviews

Personal Review

I remember being swept away by the colors and the music of An American in Paris! It was like stepping into a dream where everything was vibrant and alive. The scene where Gene Kelly dances with the kids to ‘I Got Rhythm’ is so infectious that I still find myself humming it. And, of course, that final ballet? Just breathtaking. While some bits feel a little dated now, the sheer joy and artistry shine through. I always felt like I was living in Paris watching it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood musicals”
  • “Lovers of dance and choreography”
  • “Those interested in stories set in romantic Paris”
  • “Admirers of Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron”
  • “Viewers who appreciate visually stunning films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some dated gender dynamics”
  • “Mild romantic themes”
  • “No graphic content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Minnelli’s masterpiece of song and dance is a pure delight. A timeless fantasy. With dazzling colors and choreography the movie’s exuberance is simply irresistible.
• FilmCritic.com: “An American in Paris is pure joy. The musical numbers are spectacular, the Gershwin music is sublime, and Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron have undeniable chemistry. A must-see for any fan of classic musicals.
• Slant Magazine: “The film’s 17-minute ballet sequence is legendary. While the plot can be a bit thin, the sheer artistry on display, especially Gene Kelly’s dancing and Minnelli’s direction, makes it a visual treat.

Audience Reactions

The extended ballet sequence is visually stunning and creatively groundbreaking.: The film’s use of color and elaborate sets creates a vibrant, dreamlike atmosphere.

Gene Kelly’s energetic and athletic dancing is captivating to watch.: The Gershwin music adds timeless quality and infectious energy to the film.

Overall Consensus: An American in Paris is a visually stunning and musically rich classic that continues to charm audiences with its exuberant performances and groundbreaking choreography despite a somewhat lightweight plot.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1952
2. Academy Award (Best Screenplay)- 1952
3. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1952
4. Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)- 1952
5. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1952
6. Academy Award (Best Musical Score)- 1952

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Gene Kelly was instrumental in choosing Leslie Caron for the role of Lise Bouvier after seeing her perform with the Ballet des Champs-Élysées in Paris.”
• “The film’s climactic ballet sequence, costing around $500,000, was one of the most expensive single scenes ever filmed at the time.”
• “Although set in Paris, much of the film, including the elaborate sets, was shot on the MGM backlot in Culver City, California.”
• “Ira Gershwin was heavily involved in the film’s musical arrangements and even wrote additional lyrics for some songs to fit the story.”
• “Vincente Minnelli, the director, was known for his meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the film’s art direction and set design.”

🖥️ How to Watch An American in Paris?

An American in Paris is widely available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential television broadcasts or streaming availability on subscription services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed An American in Paris, you might like these similar films:

• Singin’ in the Rain (1952): Both are iconic MGM musicals starring Gene Kelly, celebrated for their energetic dance numbers and classic songs.
• The Red Shoes (1948): Features a similar artistic passion and dance-focused narrative, although with a more dramatic and tragic tone.
• Gigi (1958): Another MGM musical set in Paris, showcasing lavish costumes and romantic entanglements.
• La La Land (2016): A modern musical that pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals with its focus on dreams, romance, and artistic expression.
• The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964): A French musical film known for its vibrant colors and bittersweet romantic story, offering a different cultural perspective on the musical genre.

🛒 An American in Paris Related Products

• An American in Paris (Blu-ray): Experience the vibrant colors and stunning choreography of An American in Paris in high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes features and commentary.
• An American in Paris (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the magic of the film with the complete soundtrack featuring iconic Gershwin songs performed by Gene Kelly and the MGM Studio Orchestra.
• Funko Pop! Movies: An American in Paris – Gene Kelly: Add a touch of classic Hollywood to your collection with this stylized vinyl figure of Gene Kelly in his iconic An American in Paris attire.
• An American in Paris Movie Poster Print: Beautifully printed reproduction of the original theatrical poster for ‘An American in Paris’.

🎧 Soundtrack

An American in Paris features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Got Rhythm” – performed by Gene Kelly
• “Our Love Is Here to Stay” – performed by Gene Kelly
• “‘S Wonderful” – performed by Gene Kelly and Georges Guétary
• “An American in Paris” – performed by George Gershwin (Orchestral)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gregory Hines – “I Got Rhythm/Fascinating Rhythm” (Gene Kelly Tribute) | 1982 Kennedy Center Honors

Ever wondered how classic films influence modern performers? Check out Gregory Hines’ incredible tribute to Gene Kelly’s ‘I Got Rhythm’—it’s mind-blowing how he puts his own spin on such an iconic dance!

An American in Paris – By Strauss

Remember that catchy tune ‘By Strauss’ from ‘An American in Paris’? This clip lets you relive the scene with Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary, and Oscar Levant. Warning: you’ll be humming it all day!

Gershwin’s Concerto in F by O. Levant

Oscar Levant absolutely nails Gershwin’s ‘Concerto in F’ in this scene from ‘An American in Paris.’ His performance is both hilarious and impressive—a total must-see for music lovers!

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