I Met Him in Paris

I Met Him in Paris is a lighthearted romantic comedy from 1937, that stars Claudette Colbert, Melvyn Douglas, and Robert Young, directed by Wesley Ruggles. This classic film from the golden age of Hollywood is an entertaining and bubbly tale full of sophisticated wit, charm, and humor that lightens up the ambiance of the era's filmmaking process, and shines a spotlight on the undeniable chemistry between its main stars.

The plot of I Met Him in Paris revolves around the enchanting fashion designer, Kay Denham, who's portrayed brilliantly by Claudette Colbert. A successful creator of women's garments in America, Kay decides to take a vacation, much needed from her busy lifestyle and career, and leaves for a trip to Paris, the heart of the fashion world. Unbeknownst to Kay, her seemingly innocent holiday soon takes an adventurous turn when she becomes the object of attraction for not one but two determined suitors who are completely opposite in nature and intentions.

The first suitor is George Potter played by the charismatic Melvyn Douglas, an American engineer who might not have a taste for high society but certainly knows his way around a woman's heart and her sense of humor. His relaxed attitude towards life and his sharp-tongued wit give Melvyn Douglas's character a distinct charm that makes him very appealing.

The second suitor, on the other hand, is none other than Gene Anders portrayed by Robert Young. Gene is an affluent playboy with a taste for the finer things in life. He is attracted to Kay's vivacity and spirit, but his character epitomizes pomposity and signifies the impertinence of the rich, hence offering a stark contrast to George's character.

As Kay embarks on her Paris escapade, she finds herself caught in an amusing love triangle as George and Gene, both vie for her affections at the same time, leaving her in a state of confounding dilemma. Both suitors follow her to Paris, leading to a series of comedic events laced with the essence of true romance, sentimentality and strategic one-upmanship. This charming narrative is made even more delightful by the dazzling backdrop of 1930s Paris, including breathtaking ski scenes in the Alps which helps to heighten the overall romantic visual metaphor of the film.

In terms of acting performances, Claudette Colbert delivers an effervescent and effortless screen presence, capturing the vivacious spirit of a fashionable and independent woman of the 1930s. Her journey from a simple holiday towards an exciting romance makes for an engaging watch. Meanwhile, both Melvyn Douglas and Robert Young excel in their respective roles, making their characters not just convincingly real but also equally lovable. Their on-screen rivalry generously contributes to the comedic tone of the film and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Being a typical pre-war romantic comedy, I Met Him in Paris is laden with sharp, snappy dialogue, high-wattage star power, and an able director at the helm. Wesley Ruggles smartly directs the movie allowing the comedic situations and romantic entanglements to shine through, resulting in a wholesome narrative.

Also worth noting is the film's showcasing of the vast social changes unfolding at that time through the lens of romance and comedy. Colbert's character is a self-reliant career woman, something quite rare in the movies of that time. This social underpinning adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a romantic comedy.

In short, I Met Him in Paris with its dash of romance, comedy, and adventure, delightful performances by the lead cast, and its sparkling depiction of 1930s Paris is an enjoyable look back at an era of glamour and sophistication. This film is an indulgence for fans of classic Hollywood and those who love a good romantic comedy.