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.
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.
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.
DISC 1:
1. Main Title: American In Paris, An / 'S Wonderful, / I Got Rythm - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
2. Themes From An American In Paris: Paris Narration / Left Bank - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
3. Nice Work If You Can Get It - Georges Guetary (outtake)
4. Embraceable You - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
5. By Strauss - Gene Kelly/Georges Guetary/Mac MacLain/Grace Stark/Pete Roberts
6. Street Exhibit - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
7. I Got Rhythm - Gene Kelly/The M-G-M Children's Chorus
8. But Not For Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra
9. Do, Do, Do / Bidin' My Time / I've Got A Crush On You / Love Is Here To Stay - Benny Carter & His...
10. Someone To Watch Over Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra (outtake)
11. My Cousin In Milwaukee / Foggy Day, A / Half-Of-It-Dearie Blues, The / But Not For Me - Oscar Lev...
12. Tra-La-La - Gene Kelly/Oscar Levant
13. I'm No Enemy (Love Is Here To Stay) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (outtake)
14. Love Is Here To Stay - Gene Kelly
15. What Time Is It? / Love Is Here To Stay (Reprise) - Gene Kelly/The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (outtake)
16. Stairway To Paradise, (I'll Build A) - Georges Guetary
17. I've Got A Crush On You - Gene Kelly (outtake)
18. Love Walked In - Georges Guetary/Oscar Levant (outtake)
19. We Would Get Married (Outtake) / I Don't Think I'll Fall In Love Today - Oscar Levant/The M-G-M S...
20. Concerto In F (3rd Movement) - Oscar Levant/The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
DISC 2:
1. Painting Montage (Tra-La-La/Love Is Here To Stay)
2. Kiss Me - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (outtake)
3. 'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly/Georges Guetary
4. Lise, I Love You ('S Wonderful/Love Is Here To Stay)
5. Strike Up The Band - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (extended version)
6. Liza - Oscar Levant (complete version)
7. Oh Lady, Be Good / 'S Wonderful - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
8. That Certain Feeling / Clap Yo' Hands - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
9. I've Got A Crush On You - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (outtake)
10. I Got Rhythm - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (extended version)
11. Tra-La-La - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (outtake)
12. But Not For Me - Georges Guetary (outtake)
13. Utrillo Did It / Love Is Here To Stay / American In Paris, An / Nice Work If You Can Get It - MGM...
14. American In Paris Ballet, An - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
15. Finale (An American In Paris) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
16. Painting Montage (An American In Paris) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (deleted version)
17. Main Title: An American In Paris - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (alternate version, outtake)
18. Adam Cook Monologue (How Long Has This Been Going On?) - Oscar Levant (extended version)
19. Nice Work If You Can Get It - Georges Guetary/Oscar Levant (partial as used in film)
20. Third Prelude - Oscar Levant (outtake)
21. My Cousin In Milwaukee - Oscar Levant (outtake)
22. Foggy Day, A - Oscar Levant (outtake)
23. Half-Of-It Dearie Blues, The - Oscar Levant (outtake)
24. But Not For Me - Oscar Levant (outtake)
25. Bidin' My Time - Oscar Levant (with Saul Chaplin, outtake)
26. 'S Wonderful (Reprise) - Gene Kelly (outtake)
27. Finale - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (alternate version, outtake)
An American in Paris
