Innocents of Paris (1929)

Maurice, a humble Parisian junk dealer who sells some of his wares at the Flea market, saves a boy from drowning. The boy's aunt Louise is grateful and wins Maurice's affections, but the ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard Wallace

Writers:

C.E. Andrews (play), Ethel Doherty

Stars:

Maurice Chevalier, Sylvia Beecher, Russell Simpson

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Maurice Chevalier	...	Maurice Marney
Sylvia Beecher	...	Louise Leval
Russell Simpson	...	Emile Leval
George Fawcett	...	Monsieur Marny
John Miljan	...	Monsieur Renard
Margaret Livingston	...	Madame Renard
David Durand	...	Jo-Jo
Jack Luden	...	Jules
Johnnie Morris	...	Musician

Storyline

Maurice, a humble Parisian junk dealer who sells some of his wares at the Flea market, saves a boy from drowning. The boy's aunt Louise is grateful and wins Maurice's affections, but the lad's grandfather despises him. The jaunty junk man gets a great offer to sing in an important show and launch a theatrical career, but Louise is against it and at length, he must choose between the two.

---

Plot Keywords:

flea market | stage star | paris france | based on play | 

---

Taglines:

Hear and see the idol of France!

---

Genres:

Musical | Romance

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 May 1929 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Canção de Paris

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Production was interrupted when a fire destroyed the studio's new sound stages. Sets for this film were hastily constructed and heavy drapes were used as improvised sound insulation to shield them against street noise.

---

Connections

Referenced in Klondike Casanova (1946)

---

Soundtracks

Wait 'Til You See Ma Cherie
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Copyright 1929 by Famous Music Corp.

User Reviews

For Maurice Chevalier fans this, his first talkie, was a joy to discover at CINEFEST 2004.

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!