That Girl from Paris (1936)

Director:

Leigh Jason

Writers:

W. Carey Wonderly (story)
Jane Murfin (story)

Release Date:

1 January 1937 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

Plot:

Nikki Martin, a parisian opera star, takes off in search of adventure and true-love leaving her arranged husband to be at the alter...

Plot Keywords:

Ship | Opera | Musician | Roadhouse | Hitchhiking

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

Lily Pons	...	Nicole 'Nikki' Martin
Jack Oakie	...	Whammo Lonsdale
Gene Raymond	...	Windy McLean
Herman Bing	...	'Hammy' Hammacher
Mischa Auer	...	Butch
Lucille Ball	...	Claire 'Clair' Williams
Frank Jenks	...	Laughing Boy Frank

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #2686)

Company:

RKO Radio Pictures

Trivia:

In the beginning of the film, Pons' character escapes her wedding in a non-supercharged 1936 Cord Phaeton. The Indiana-made car, which cost about $3,700 was rare even when new and exotic enough to look like it belonged in the movie which begins set in France.

Movie Connections:

Version of Street Girl (1929)

Soundtrack:

Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)

An Entertaining 1930s Film

Don't be put off by other negative critiques. Forget that Lily Pons was a highly regarded opera singer, or that somehow she condescended to appear in a movie. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that Pons was offered a great deal of money by RKO to make the three movies she made.

She gives a fine performance both acting and singing. The plot is typical 1930s fare, and I thought it amusing and better than average. I find Pons's characterization very charming.

As for Pons being tall and willowy, the lady was a petite 5 feet tall (see IMDb bio), but she sure had a superior voice in that little body. The "pop" tunes she was given to sing in this film were written with an operatic voice in mind, requiring a large range to sing.

No other mention has been given to Lucille Ball's very, very funny comedic dance. Her character is sabotaged with a pair of soaped-up dancing shoes, causing her to slip and fall every time she tries to dance. I've watched this over and over and I laugh out loud every time I see it. It takes a very good, well-trained dancer to be able to fall down as much and as well as she did.