Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1951)

Gene Kelly dances his way into Leslie Carons heart in a harmonious blend of Technicolor, Gershwin and ballet i'Vi/ (F ) An American in Paris (M-G-M) BEAUTY, wit, charm and tenderness merge in this story of an ex-G.I. in Paris and le tout ensemble — Bingo! Terrific! Wonderful sights and sounds, delicious nonsense and incredible dances mount and explode into a color-mad ballet (too long, alas, too long). In plain American this is some movie. Kelly plays an ex-G.I. who remains in Paris after the war to become a painter. Oscar Levant, his friend, is there on a scholarship to study music. French actor Georges Guetary is their mutual friend. And Leslie Caron is the French girl both Gene and Georges love. An odd little bodkin she is, too, with long dancing legs and the face of a gamin. Gorgeous Georges is an ooo la la Monsieur type. Nina Foch, as Gene’s patroness, is very attractive. And Levant, conducting and playing every instrument in a symphonic arrangement of Gershwin’s “Concerto in F,” is tops. The music of Gershwin is a perfect background for the bright spontaneity of a movie we so happily recommend. Your Reviewer Says: Wonderful! Program Notes: From the day actor Gene Kelly, producer Arthur Freed and director Vincente Minnelli got together with the idea of “An American in Paris” an entire year went by — with each of them planning ideas and details. Kelly traveled to Paris to absorb atmosphere and discovered his leading lady, Leslie Caron, dancing in the Champs-Elysees ballet. It was natural of course that they should think of Oscar Levant when Gershwin music was decided upon, Levant and the Gershwins having been friends for years. And who better to play a charming French actor than that charming French actor, Georges Guetary, a top romantic singing star in Paris and the winner of the Critics’ Award on Broadway last year in “Arms and the Girl.” Kelly did his own choreography for the dances and the ballet that consumed the greater part of a sound stage. Dialogue coaches worked overtime with Georges and Leslie. The results were charming. SHADO /// OUTSTANDING / / GOOD / FAIIt When Eleanor Parker sets her cap for millionaire MacMurray this comedy becomes a mad and merry whin ^ (A) A Millionaire for Christy (20th Century -Fox) A ZANY little thing, this one, created for no other purpose than to spread cheer and promote giggles. The premise is a bit silly and the people involved act sillier Eleanor Parker, legal secretary in a law firm, has financia troubles due to a parasitic family. So, when she is sent tc San Francisco to inform Fred MacMurray, a corny radic philosopher, that he has just inherited two million dollars she decides to marry him sight unseen. But there are complications. Fred is about to marry wealthy Kay Buckley, who is loved by Richard Carlson, a psychiatrist. Believing Eleanor slightly deranged Fred rushes her off tc Carlson’s clinic, meets with an accident en route and the two spend the night in a boxcar with Mexicans who believe them newlyweds. Next day Eleanor confesses all tc Carlson. They enter into a conspiracy that backfires From then on things just grow berserker and funnier. Your Reviewer Says: Go on, laugh. What can you lose? Program Notes: This is the first picture Eleanor Parker has madt in association with husband Bert Friedlob. They loved ever } minute of it. There were some things, however, Eleanor wouldn’t do — even for her husband. She wouldn’t pose for cheesecake art The picture had three title changes. Everyone loved “No Room for the Groom” but felt it would conflict with the Crosby picture “Here Comes the Groom.” Bing incidentally is represented it the film. He co-authored the old song hit, “I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You.” Fred MacMurray, who has remainec devotedly at the side of his wife is now ready to resume his caree full speed ahead. For Lillian, after a lingering illness, is on hei way to recovery. Fred, among other things, will do a radio series “Bright Star” opposite leading lady Irene Dunne. p For Complete Casts of Current Pictures See Page 8. For Best Pictures of the Month and I 24