A Scandal in Paris (1946)

The autobiography of elegant criminal, François Eugène Vidocq, from his birth in a French jail in 1775 to his appointment as chief of police of Paris where he intends to rob the city bank. ... See full summary »

Director:

Douglas Sirk

Writers:

François-Eugène Vidocq (memoirs), Ellis St. Joseph (adaptation)

Stars:

George Sanders, Signe Hasso, Carole Landis

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Sanders	...	Eugéne François Vidocq
Signe Hasso	...	Therese De Pierremont
Carole Landis	...	Loretta de Richet
Akim Tamiroff	...	Emile Vernet
Gene Lockhart	...	Prefect of Police Richet
Alma Kruger	...	Marquise De Pierremont
Alan Napier	...	Houdon De Pierremont, Police Minister
Jo Ann Marlowe	...	Mimi De Pierremont
Vladimir Sokoloff	...	Uncle Hugo
Pedro de Cordoba	...	Priest
Leona Maricle	...	Owner of Dress Shop
Fritz Leiber	...	Painter
Skelton Knaggs	...	Cousin Pierre
Fred Nurney	...	Cousin Gabriel
Gisela Werbisek	...	Aunt Ernestine (as Gisella Werbiseck)

Storyline

The autobiography of elegant criminal, François Eugène Vidocq, from his birth in a French jail in 1775 to his appointment as chief of police of Paris where he intends to rob the city bank. Along the way, he escapes from jail with Emile, who becomes his partner in crime, poses as a lieutenant to rob a showgirl of her ruby garter, and steals the jewels of a marquise in whose home he's a guest. He's also posed as an artist's model for a portrait of St. George (Emile's face is the dragon's), and the marquise's granddaughter falls in love first with his visage and then him. Can she help him slay his own dragons, especially when the showgirl reappears and the bank vault beckons?

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Plot Keywords:

bank | vidocq | artist | criminal | dress shop | 

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Taglines:

Every man has his price... and every woman pays it.

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Genres:

Adventure | Crime | Romance | Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 July 1946 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Story of Vidocq

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arnold Pressburger Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Hedda Hopper Show - This Is Hollywood" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on November 23, 1946 with Akim Tamiroff reprising his film role.

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Quotes

Eugéne François Vidocq: Sometimes the chains of matrimony are so heavy they have to be carried by three.

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Connections

Referenced in Vidocq (2001)

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Soundtracks

"Flame Song"
Music by Hanns Eisler
Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster (as Paul Webster)
Sung by Carole Landis

User Reviews

Great vehicle for George Sanders

"A Scandal in Paris" is a 1946 film starring George Sanders, Akim Tamiroff, Signe Hasso, and Carole Landis. Directed by Douglas Sirk, it's based on the memoirs of François-Eugène Vidocq, a thief who became the Chief of Police in the 18th Century. The story begins with Francois being born in a jail and covers his European escapades. At one point, he poses for a painting of St. George and rides off on the horse he sits on; later, a marquise's granddaughter (Hasso) falls in love with the face in the painting and recognizes him when he comes to stay with her grandmother...and steal her jewels.

A very witty script that is perfect for the elegant, handsome Sanders. This role seems tailor-made for him. The beautiful Carole Landis plays one of his victims, a showgirl with a valuable garter. Sadly, by this time, her career had really stalled out. She's still a bright and glamorous presence. Hasso is an odd choice for an ingénue role, though she does a good job.

Entertaining film, particularly because of George Sanders.