A Scandal In Paris (1946)

Based on the life of Eugene Francois Vidocq (George Sanders), a gentleman thief of the early 1800s in Napoleonic France who reformed and became the Prefect of Police in Paris. Directed by Douglas Sirk (WRITTEN ON THE WIND), this is an elegant period film which remains romantic and witty for most of its running time until turning dark in the film's last 20 minutes or so. The role of the debonair thief, born in prison and rising above his station through crime and cleverness, is a role that fits Sanders like a tailor made glove. Sirk balances the romanticism with the sharply observed cynic's eye on the thin line between respectability and corruption and love's ability to destroy or reform. Sanders isn't the only actor to shine here. Carole Landis as chapeau loving vixen who bites off more than she can chew is charming. The superior production design and art direction (that carousel is a thing of beauty!) are by Gordon Wiles and Frank Paul Sylos and the lovely underscore by Hanns Eisler. With Signe Hasso, Akim Tamiroff, Gene Lockhart, Alan Napier, Alma Kruger, Vladimir Sokoloff and the delightful child actress, Jo Ann Marlowe (MILDRED PIERCE).