If you’re a fan of classic movies, you’ve probably heard of the 1951 film “An American in Paris.” Starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, this musical is known for its stunning dance numbers and beautiful Parisian setting. But where was the movie actually filmed?
The Setting
Before we dive into the filming locations, let’s take a quick look at the movie’s setting. “An American in Paris” takes place in Paris, France in the years following World War II. The main character, Jerry Mulligan (played by Gene Kelly), is an American ex-GI who decides to stay in Paris to pursue his dream of becoming a painter.
The Filming Locations
Now let’s talk about where the movie was actually filmed. Despite its title, only a few scenes from “An American in Paris” were actually shot in the French capital. Most of the filming took place on studio sets in Hollywood.
One notable exception is the film’s famous ballet sequence, set to George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” symphony. This stunning sequence was filmed on location in Paris and features some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Les Invalides
The ballet sequence begins at Les Invalides, a complex of buildings that includes a military museum and Napoleon’s tomb. In the film, Gene Kelly dances on one of Les Invalides’ ornate bridges while wearing his trademark gray suit.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The ballet continues as Kelly makes his way to Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Paris’ most famous landmarks. Here he dances with Leslie Caron on one of the cathedral’s balconies as pigeons flutter around them.
The Seine River
Finally, the ballet ends with a romantic dance between Kelly and Caron on the banks of the Seine River. The scene features stunning views of the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Other Locations
While most of “An American in Paris” was filmed on studio sets, there are a few other locations that were used for exterior shots. These include:
- The Place Vendôme, a famous square in Paris where Jerry Mulligan’s apartment is located
- The Bois de Boulogne, a large park on the western edge of Paris where Kelly and Caron go for a carriage ride
- The Champs-Élysées, one of Paris’ most famous avenues where Kelly and Caron walk and talk
In Conclusion
So there you have it – while “An American in Paris” is set in the City of Light, most of the movie was actually filmed on studio sets in Hollywood. However, the film’s stunning ballet sequence was shot on location in Paris and features some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a fan of classic movies or just love Parisian charm, “An American in Paris” is definitely worth a watch.