Innocents of Paris

For Maurice Chevalier fans this, his first talkie, was a joy to discover. He actually enters from behind a curtain out of character to introduce himself, explain his outrageous accent and set up the plot. The New York Times said, `He is the whole show, and when he is off screen the suspense consists of waiting until he reappears, either to sing or talk in his charming manner.' The plot concerns a junk dealer, or as he prefers, Antiquer, who saves a young boy (David Duran) from drowning late one night. Chevalier takes the child to the childhood home of his mother, who has just committed suicide, only to be turned out by her cruel father (Russell Simpson). The boy's pretty aunt Louise (as in `Every little breeze…) (Sylvia Beecher), is sympathetic, but dares not cross her father. Maurice decides to raise the orphan himself. Later he sings at the local Flea Market, is discovered by a theatre manager and more importantly, the theatre owner's wife. When he has to choose between success or love… well, what would you do? This is a star making performance by a true original. His obvious love of life is a breath of fresh air. And this film contains more of his music hall act than any of his others including his eccentric dancing style and sexy posturing paid tribute to in Love Me Tonight. I saw this film in March of 2004 at the CINEFEST film festival in Syracuse, NY. Thank god for film festivals like this one that make rare films like this available and the folks who provide comments to IMDB for others to share. Please support the IMDB and early film festivals!