Gigi (1958)

Weary of the conventions of Parisian society, a rich playboy and a youthful courtesan-in-training enjoy a platonic friendship, but it may not stay platonic for long.

Directors:

Vincente Minnelli, Charles Walters (uncredited)

Writers:

Alan Jay Lerner (screen play), Colette (based on the novella by)

Stars:

Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jourdan

Won 9 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Leslie Caron	...	Gigi
Maurice Chevalier	...	Honoré Lachaille
Louis Jourdan	...	Gaston Lachaille
Hermione Gingold	...	Madame Alvarez
Eva Gabor	...	Liane d'Exelmans
Jacques Bergerac	...	Sandomir
Isabel Jeans	...	Aunt Alicia
John Abbott	...	Manuel

Storyline

Weary of the conventions of Parisian society, a rich playboy and a youthful courtesan-in-training enjoy a platonic friendship, but it may not stay platonic for long. Gaston, the scion of a wealthy Parisian family finds emotional refuge from the superficial lifestyle of upper class Parisian 1900s society with the former mistress of his uncle and her outgoing, tomboy granddaughter, Gigi. When Gaston becomes aware that Gigi has matured into a woman, her grandmother and aunt, who have educated Gigi to be a wealthy man's mistress, urge the pair to act out their roles but love adds a surprise twist to this delightful turn-of-the 20th century Cinderella story.

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Plot Keywords:

1900s | singing | singer | paris france | ennui | 

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Taglines:

Thank heaven for Gigi [1966 re-release]

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Trivia

In Australia "GIGI" was named as one of "THE ten films of 1958" by "The Australian Women's Weekly" published on Wednesday 31st December 1958 on Page 52.

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Goofs

At the ice rink, the only couple that includes a skating instructor are dressed slightly differently than Liane and the instructor. He appears to have a black hat on and she a large black bow on her hat. These items have disappeared when we see a close up of them skating.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[Honore walks through Paris and greets the viewer]
Honore Lachaille: Good afternoon! As you see, this lovely city all around us is Paris, and this lovely park is of course the Bois de Boulogne. Who am I? Well, allow me to introduce myself: I am Honore Lachaille. Born: Paris. When...
[laughs]
Honore Lachaille: ...not lately. This is 1900, so let's just say not in this century. Circumstances: comfortable. Profession: lover, and collector of beautiful things. Not antiques mind you, younger things.
[...]

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Alternate Versions

In some prints shown on television, we see still photos of Leslie Caron part of the time during the song "Gigi", instead of seeing Louis Jourdan singing. (This occurs after the verse and first chorus, when the orchestra plays the song while Jourdan only exclaims "Gigi!") As shown currently, we see Jourdan singing throughout the whole song, as in the theatrical release.

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Connections

Featured in MGM: When the Lion Roars: The Lion in Winter (1992)

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Soundtracks

Gigi
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Frederick Loewe
Performed by Louis Jourdan

User Reviews

Gigi: The Creepiest Film of the 1950s?

Some films considered great years ago age rather poorly. Witness "Gigi," the [insert proper musical adjective here: "enchanting!!!"; "delightful!!!!!"] musical about a French girl's transformation from spirited teen to soulless married woman. Some of the tunes are amusing ("I Remember It Well" is particularly charming), but changes in our society render the film's plot rather anachronistic: Rich and famous older man courts teenager; they tie the knot. The End. "Thank Heaven for Little Girls"? Ewwwww. There are several moments in the film that will chill the modern viewer. Stripped of these outdated charms, the remainder is a vapid piece of fluff. It wasn't even made with its heart in the right place; MGM couldn't wait for the movie rights to "My Fair Lady" so they sought a similar plot (Colette's 1948 story) and made this Frenchified version instead-cash in! Another sub-good "Best Picture" to add to the lengthy list. See "An American in Paris" instead.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

25 June 1958 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Parisians

Filming Locations:

Auberge de la Moutière - 14 Rue Moutière, Montfort-l'Amaury, Yvelines, France

Box Office

Budget:

$3,319,355 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min (Turner library print) (copyright length)

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System) Perspecta Stereo Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1