Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spectacular musical falters in treatment of women.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Where to Watch
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An American in Paris
What's the Story?
Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) is AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, a former WWII soldier who stayed in the city after the war ended to pursue his love of painting. Wealthy divorcee Milo (Nina Foch) has offered to be his patron, though she's clearly interested more in Jerry himself than his work. Meanwhile, Jerry has fallen for French dancer Lise (Leslie Caron, in her screen debut), but she has romantic complications of her own.
Is It Any Good?
Triple threat Kelly acts, sings, and dances beautifully in this eye-catching musical composed by George Gershwin and full of gorgeously choreographed numbers. The stunning song-and-dance segments are the main appeal of An American in Paris, particularly Gershwin's 17-minute title piece, accompanied by a ballet sequence built around the main characters. It's a knockout, and a good thing, too, because the plot is nothing to write home about.
The characters are silly, duplicitous, and grasping, resembling nothing so much as cardboard cutouts meant to push a plot along in between musical numbers. The portrayal of women and Jerry's dogged pursuit of Lise in particular have aged badly. But there's no doubting that the songs are still delicious (particularly "S'Wonderful" and "I Got Rhythm") and the dancing infectious. Lavish sets, gorgeous costumes, great music—this one's a feast for the eyes and ears, if not for the brain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way romance is portrayed in An American in Paris. How do characters like Jerry and Milo pursue the people they're attracted to? What does the movie say about their behavior? Do you think it's OK? Why, or why not?
How does the movie use creative set design to bring the story to life? What role does art play in the film more generally? How does it connect characters and how is it used to introduce a fantasy-like element?
How are the musical numbers used to tell the story and explore the characters? Do any stand out as having the most impact? How central is the musical aspect, and how might the movie be different without it? Do you think it would still work?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 11, 1951
- On DVD or streaming : October 12, 2004
- Cast : Gene Kelly , Leslie Caron , Oscar Levant
- Director : Vincente Minnelli
- Inclusion Information : Queer Movie Director(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Winner , Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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