April In Paris: Rich,Young,and Pretty(1951)

Jim Rodgers (Wendell Corey), a Texas rancher and United Nations representative, has been invited by the state department to speak in Paris. Accompanying him will be his daughter Liz(Jane Powell) and housekeeper Glynnie(Una Merkel). Although Liz will be leaving her beau Bob behind, she couldn't be more thrilled about her Parisian getaway; her father couldn't be more hesitant!

            It just so happens that Paris is where Liz's mother,and famous French songstress, Marie Devaronne(Danielle Darrieux) lives. Jim and Marie met in 1927 when he was a young rancher and she, a showgirl. Instantly,they fell in love and were married. However, Marie couldn't handle being a rancher's wife and became homesick. Shortly after Liz was born, she departed from her family and moved to Paris. In order to protect his daughter's heart, he told her that her mother had passed away. However this trip to Paris may prove otherwise...

Meanwhile, Liz is enjoying her frolic in France! While her father is at work with Monsieur Henri Milan (Jean Murat), Liz is being escorted to the best spots in Paris by Andre Milan (Vic Damone);Monsieur Milan's handsome son! With every date, they inevitably fall head over heels in love and want to be married (so long Bob!). Of course her father Jim won't hear of it because it is all too familiar! If that's not enough, Marie has been meeting with Liz and Andre for lunch as she desperately wants to know her daughter. In attempts gain control of the situation, Jim cuts Liz off from seeing either of them. This trip almost turns to disaster but with a little help from Marie, Liz gains a mother, her father's blessing, and her true love Andre.

MGM's Rich,Young, and Pretty is a very sweet, lighthearted musical.It can drag at times, but still thoroughly engaging. Unfortunately, there are no "show-stopping" numbers but great one's nonetheless. My favorites are "How Do Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning?" (Shown above), "I Can See You", "We Never Talk Much" and their French rendition of "Deep In The Heart Of Texas".

The cast is quite enjoyable; Una Merkel and Wendell Corey truly add the comedic touch. The ever charming Jane Powell shines while Vic Damone swoons 'em all in his first movie role. If you are a Jane Powell and/or a fan of the "Golden Age" musical, give this classic gem a gander.

Roll Film,

Neah B

Photo Credits:

www.wikipedia.com

www.movieposter.com

www.janepowell.blogspot.com

April In Paris: On The Riviera (1951)

Captain Henri Duran (Danny Kaye) has just returned home to the French Riviera after breaking records for a non-stop flight. He is one of the most celebrated figures in France; especially by his admiring female fans. Sadly, Henri's roving eye is just as famous as his flying skills. It's a shame considering his wife Lili (Gene Tierney) is an absolute knockout.
Meanwhile, performer/impressionist Jack Martin (also Danny Kaye) performs nightly at the Cote d Azur--The Blue Room. He and his partner Collette (Corienne Calvet) are a moderate success and are hoping for a promotion to the "Terrace Room". However, their manager is bored with their act and wants them fired unless they can come up with something sensational!
What does this aviator and actor have in common? Nothing...except their appearance! When Jack realizes this, he knows that this is his ticket to saving their act from being canned. His impersonation is such a hit, Jack is hired to replace Captain Duran at a prominent reception when he slips away on private business matters. This setup works temporarily then slowly unravels as it create chaos for all parties involved; especially Collette because she is in love with Jack. The real craziness begins when Henri returns home!
Does this plot sound familiar? It should! Although based on a play by Rudolf Lothar and Hans Adler, On The Riviera is basically a French twist on 20th century Fox's That Night In Rio (1943) with Don Ameche, Alice Faye, and Carmen Miranda. Danny flawlessly pulls off playing the dual part as well as giving us his signature silliness in the number "Popo The Puppet". Another great number and personal favorite is "Rhythm Of A New Romance".
For my vintage fashion lovers, it's all about the gowns in this one! My favorite is the mint green, strapless,sweetheart neckline number Collette wears to the reception. The opening sequence is a very quick but beautiful tour with great shots of the French Riviera. If you have not seen this film, I would urge you to give it a gander; especially if you are a Danny Kaye fan. On The Riviera doesn't have many show stopping musical numbers and moves a little slow at times. Nevertheless it is a classic gem that shouldn't be missed!
Roll Film,
Neah B

Photo Credits:

www.wikipedia.com

www.movieposter.com

www.rogue.com.au

April In Paris:An American In Paris (1951)

Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly),an ex-GI and aspiring artist, resides in Paris; an artist's paradise of inspiration. However, there is usually more inspiration than money. His friend Adam Cook (Oscar Levant), a struggling concert pianist,lives in the same flat also. Jerry's luck changes when he meets Milo Roberts (Nina Foch); a lovely but lonely heiress who's interested in sponsoring Jerry..er...um Jerry's work. While accompanying Milo to a party, he lays his eyes on Lisa (Leslie Caron); a pretty Parisian sales associate down at the local perfumery. When Milo gets upset about his interest in this young lady,Jerry soon finds out that Milo's sponsorship is about more than money...

Nevertheless, he relentlessly pursues Lisa until she succumbs to his charms. Unfortunately, their blossoming romance is cut short when he finds out that she is engaged to famous French vocalist, and Adam's friend/mentor, Henri Burrell (Gorges Guetary). Just when it doesn't like their love will stand a chance, they find that it is here to stay.

An American In Paris gave Gene Kelly the creative input he had long desired as Vicente Minnelli trusted him with the movie's ending; a 17 minute long ballet! I love this portion of the film; it is like a moving painting and tour of Paris all in one.This film also introduced to us 19- year- old Leslie Caron. Some of Gershwin's greatest tunes are featured in this musical. One of my favorites is Gene's rendition of I Got Rhythm as he teaches the kids some American culture. Another,is the romantic, jazzy,balletic Our Love Is Here To Stay. Other great numbers include, This Time It's Really Love (Tra-La-La-La) and I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise. I will say that although enjoyable, Oscar Levant's imaginary concert kind of slows down the pace of the movie and draws it out a bit.However,this film is an MGM classic and a must see for Gene Kelly fans.

Enjoy,

Neah B

 

Photo Credits:

www.wikipedia.com

www.doctormacro.com

www.dvdtalk.com

www.glamamour.com

April In Paris: Midnight in Paris (2011)

Paris; the city of light, romance, and art. Gill Pender (Owen Wilson) and his fiance Inez (Rachel McAdams) join her parents' on a Parisian holiday. The majestic atmosphere

of the city fills Gill with abounding inspiration for the novel he's writing;which takes place in Paris in the 1920's. He loves it so much, that it fuels his desire to move to Paris after he and Inez are wed. Inez, on the other hand could care less and hopes that he goes back to writing for Hollywood instead. Her support in Gill is halfhearted. In fact she's so caught up in wedding plans and keeping up with her highbrow college friends that she downplays him every chance she gets.

One night, after a wine tasting, Gill forgoes the group's plans to go dancing and ventures off to explore Parisian nightlife. During his midnight stroll, he encounters a shiny vintage model car. Those who were inside, enticed Gill to join them for the ride of his life. He then runs away with his imagination and meets his literary and legendary heroes; F.Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Josephine Baker, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and even Earnest Hemingway! He even gets his manuscript proofread by Ms.Gertrude Stein! These nightly time warps help him to find true love and happiness with the right woman and finish his novel in the illuminated city of romance.

Although this is a recent film, it is destined to become a classic. Produced and directed by the legendary Woody Allen, this film with such a wonderful story and great cast comes alive in beautiful Paris,France (especially the night scenes). It also discusses a topic that each of us vintage lovers at one point or another deal with; thinking that our favorite past era is better than the one we're currently living in. He learns that each generation, past or future, is always going to think another era is beetter than the present one and that he should embrace his current surrounding while appreciating the days of old. Awesome,awesome film. My sister Meah kept hounding me to see it and now that I have, I sweetly hound you too! Au Revoire!

Love,

Neah B

Photo Credits:

www.cornwallfreenews.com

www.flux-boston.com

www.shopmasons.com

April In Paris Radio!

Hello Darlings! I am happy to announce the radio feature on Virtuously Vintage Vixen.

Simply click on the play button to enjoy some timeless tunes! This month's April In Paris radio features:

1) C'est Si Bon - Eartha Kitt       2)The Charming Madamoiselle From Paris France- Lou Busch

3)The Poor People Of Paris (Jean's Theme)- Les Baxter    

4)The Clown On The Eiffel Tower- Les Baxter

5) C'est Magnifique- Eartha Kitt 

 6)The French Lesson (Good News Soundtrack)- June Allyson/Peter Lawford

7) I Love Paris- Julie London

Enjoy,
Neah B


Photo Credits:
www.retrorama.com

April In Paris!

Bonjour Virtuously Vintage Vixen Readers! Welcome to April in Paris. After my break

in March, I am back with fabulous music, articles, and Retro Reels that will make you say,"Ooh La La La!". This month's Music and Miscellaneous will showcase Blogger/Artist FiFi Flowers, review the Ultra Lounge:Bachelor In Paris album and iconic influences from France. April's Tasty Tips and Treats will include simple,classic French desserts like Creme Brulee and French Chocolate Mousse. I am thrilled about the Retro Reels for this month as I will be sharing some of my favorite movies about Paris. I'll be featuring such classics as Funny Face, An American In Paris, and Gigi.

I'm also proud to introduce the new  Classic Beauty of The Month column. April's classic beauty is Leslie Caron. I hope you enjoy your April In Paris. C'est Magnifique!

Love,

Neah B

Photo Credits:

www.kaboodle.com

www.english.peopledaily.com

www.zazzle.com