An American in Paris

By Holly

There's so much good in this movie, and so much annoying. Gene Kelly, who I find very smug, plays a "charming" artist who is basically an annoying stalker. He sees Leslie Caron and will not leave her alone. (Also, he's 19 years old than she is.) If you can get past the fact that he and Leslie Caron never say anything truthful to each other but are supposed to be this great love, go for it. He should've gone off with Nina Foch, who he's only 12 years older than.

However, the Gershwin music is divine. The 17 minute finale is MGM and musicals at their peak of dazzling perfection. Foch is excellent. Oscar Levant hard to watch in his acting scenes and impossible not to watch as a pianist. If you do find Gene Kelly smug, just watch the kids in the "I Got Rhythm" number, or the older women in "By Strauss." They're a lot of fun.

Back to the final number: it has to be in the top 3 of the greatest ever made. Music, costumes, dancing, backgrounds, all brought together...perfectly. A total wonder and joy.