Paris When It Sizzles (1964)

The sprightly young assistant of a Hollywood screenwriter helps him over his writer's block by acting out his fantasies of possible plots.

Director:

Richard Quine

Writers:

Julien Duvivier (story "La fête à Henriette"), Henri Jeanson (story "La fête à Henriette")

Stars:

William Holden, Audrey Hepburn, Grégoire Aslan

Cast

Complete credited cast:
William Holden	...	Richard Benson / Rick
Audrey Hepburn	...	Gabrielle Simpson / Gaby
Grégoire Aslan	...	Police Insp. Gilet
Raymond Bussières	...	François - 1st Gangster
Christian Duvaleix	...	Maitre d'Hotel
Michel Thomass	...	(as Michel Thomas)
Dominique Boschero
Evi Marandi
Noël Coward	...	Alexander Meyerheim (as Noel Coward)

Storyline

Hollywood producer Alexander Meyerheimer has hired drunken writer Richard Benson to write his latest movie. Benson has been holed up in a Paris apartment supposedly working on the script for months, but instead has spent the time living it up. Benson now has just two days to the deadline and thus hires a temporary secretary, Gabrielle Simpson, to help him complete it in time.

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Plot Keywords:

scriptwriter | writer's block | screenwriter | american in paris | reference to buenos aires argentina | 

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Taglines:

RELAX...IT'S ALL RIGHT TO LAUGH AT THIS TENDER LOVE STORY!

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

8 April 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

Together in Paris

Filming Locations:

Hôtel du Cap, Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes, France

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Richard Quine Productions, George Axelrod Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Hubert de Givenchy was the first to receive a screen credit for a scent. He got screen credit for Audrey Hepburn's perfume.

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Goofs

As Richard lays out the blank pages, he lays one on the chair by the stairs. It falls down onto the seat of the chair. However, in the wide shot, it is back on the back of the chair.

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Quotes

Richard: You call the canary Richelieu because you always wanted a cardinal.
Gabrielle: [laughs] That's very funny!
Richard: No, it isn't. Just one of the hazards of being an international wit, which I am. You have to keep trying all the time.

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Crazy Credits

Audrey Hepburn's perfume is credited to Hubert de Givenchy.

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Connections

Spoofs Casablanca (1942)

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Soundtracks

That Face
Music by Lew Spence
Lyrics by Alan Bergman
Performed by Fred Astaire (Courtesy of Ava Records)

User Reviews

Underrated

I wish that I could remember the very first time I ever tasted chocolate, or felt a cool breeze, or laughed at a funny joke. I can't, sadly, but if I had to wager, I'd bet that any of those three events felt very similar to my first watching of "Paris.. When It Sizzles." Watching this movie feels like falling in love; sweet and joyful and slightly decadent all at once. It's often given a bad rap, and I can't for the life of me understand why. It's a beautiful, lighthearted romantic comedy, and the chemistry between the incomparable Audrey Hepburn and William Holden is undeniable. I'll admit, "Paris.." is no "Sabrina," another (dare I say perfect) Hepburn/Holden film, but I still feel it deserves a nod as a true classic and as a highlight of the careers of both of its stars. Tony Curtis's cameo is pure comedy, delightful as they come. Make your own decision and see this one for yourself, especially if you are an Audrey fanatic like I am. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.