An American In Paris (1951)

One of the great treasures of the American film musical, the story is slight. A struggling American painter (Gene Kelly) falls in love with a French miss (Leslie Caron in her film debut) who's betrothed to an older man (Georges Guetary). But the George and Ira Gershwin songs are irresistible and director Vincente Minnelli, choreographer and star Kelly, art director Preston Ames, cinematographer John Alton and costume designer Irene Sharaff have created a stunning collage of color, images, movement and style that elevate it far beyond the fragile narrative. Two highlights: Guetary belts out Stairway To Paradise and Kelly does a delightful I've Got Rhythm with a gaggle of kids. The piece de resistance however is the 17 minute American In Paris ballet done in the style of Impressionist painters. With Nina Foch, Oscar Levant, Madge Blake and Ann Codee.