An American in Paris

Starring: Gene Kelly Director: Vincente Minnelli

DVD Features:

Audio:

• Stereo 2.0 - English

Major Awards:

Academy Awards - Best Picture (1951)

Academy Awards - Best Adapted or Musical Song/Score (1951)

Academy Awards - Best Original Screenplay (1951)

Academy Awards - Best Adapted or Musical Song/Score (1951)

Academy Awards - Best Cinematography (1951)

Product Description:

One of the greatest of 1950s screen musicals is a happy collaboration between the grace and athleticism of Gene Kelly and colorful palette of Vincente Minnelli. An American G.I. lingers in Paris after the war to study painting and soon falls in love with Caron, an engaged mademoiselle, much to the chagrin of his romance-minded benefactress. Features a seventeen-minute, avant-garde ballet choreographed by Kelly to George Gershwin's unbeatable melodies. Academy Award Nominations: 8, including Best Director. Academy Awards: 6, including Best Picture, Best Story and Screenplay. Kelly won a special Oscar for his achievements.

Plot Synopsis:

Musical about a young G.I. who remains in Paris after World War II to study art. Jerry Mulligan wants to live the life of the great painters -- holed up in a Montmartre garret, starving for his art. But the reality is less romantic than the fantasy, so when a rich American gallery owner offers to support him, he agrees -- even if the bargain means joining her entourage of lovers. Then he meets Lise, a young French girl, and instantly falls in love. Unfortunately, she's already engaged to Henri Bourel, an older man who saved her from the Nazis. But when Henri discovers that she cares for another, he gracefully exits, leaving the young couple to a life together.

Plot Keywords:

Classic | Dance | Essential Cinema | Musical | Recommended | Romance | Theatrical Release

Production Notes:

• AN AMERICAN IN PARIS was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1993.
• Gene Kelly received an Honorary Academy Award in 1951 "in appreciation of his versatility as an actor, singer, director and dancer, and specifically for his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film."
• Film debut for French actress-dancer Leslie Caron, who was discovered by Gene Kelly.
• The film also featured the American in Paris Ballet Performers.
• Gene Kelly's paintings were done by Gene Grant.
• Irene Sharaff designed the costumes for the ballet sequence and Walter Plunkett designed them for the Beaux Arts ball sequence.

Cast and Crew: