Was an American in Paris Filmed in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of classic Hollywood movies, chances are you’ve heard of the 1951 musical film, An American in Paris. Starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, it tells the story of an American soldier who falls in love with a French girl while living in Paris after World War II.

The movie is known for its stunning dance sequences and iconic songs like “I Got Rhythm” and “Love is Here to Stay”. But one question that often arises among viewers is whether the movie was actually filmed in Paris or not. Let’s explore this topic further.

Setting the Scene

An American in Paris is set entirely in Paris, France. The movie follows the adventures of Jerry Mulligan (played by Gene Kelly), an ex-GI who decides to stay in the city to pursue his passion for painting.

He befriends a wealthy American woman named Milo Roberts (played by Nina Foch) who helps him get established as an artist. Along the way, he falls in love with Lise Bouvier (played by Leslie Caron), a French girl who has a secret past.

The Filming Locations

Now, let’s get to the main question – was An American in Paris actually filmed in Paris? The answer is both yes and no. While most of the movie’s exterior shots were filmed on location in Paris, many of the interior scenes were shot on soundstages at MGM Studios in Culver City, California.

The opening sequence of the film shows Jerry walking around Montmartre as he sings “I Got Rhythm”. This was indeed filmed on location in Paris and features several iconic landmarks such as Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Moulin Rouge. Other outdoor scenes were also filmed around various parts of Paris such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde.

However, due to budget constraints and logistical challenges, many of the movie’s musical numbers and interior scenes were filmed on soundstages. This included the iconic 17-minute dance sequence at the end of the film, which was shot entirely in Hollywood. The set was designed to look like the streets of Paris, complete with a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.

The Impact

Despite not being entirely filmed in Paris, An American in Paris remains a beloved classic that captures the essence of the city and its culture. The movie won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals ever made. The stunning choreography by Gene Kelly and the music by George Gershwin continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Conclusion

In summary, while An American in Paris wasn’t completely filmed on location in Paris, it still managed to capture the beauty and charm of the city through its use of exterior shots and set designs. The movie’s success has cemented its place in Hollywood history and continues to be a beloved favorite among fans of classic musicals.