Made in Paris

Made in Paris is a captivating, delightful film graced chiefly by the striking beauty and exceptional talent of Swedish-American actress Ann-Margret, co-stars Louis Jourdan and Richard Crenna, and the romantic charm of Paris with its fashion industry backdrop. Released in 1966, this film is an exquisite blend of romance, comedy, and the dazzling world of haute couture.

The film revolves around Margret's character, Maggie Scott, a fashion buyer working for Irene Chase, a New York design house. She is a devoted and auspicious professional, whose life gets turned upside down when she is mandated to go to Paris to deliver important sketches. En route to the city of love and fashion, she is forewarned that one of the firm's fashion designers would offer her distractions and enticements to get expensive designs approved. Thus, Maggie sets off to Paris with a determination to focus only on her work and resist any distractions that this city might offer.

Leaning into the timeless allure of Paris, this movie unfolds as a lighthearted comedy set against the backdrop of the city's stunning architecture and the 1960s' vibrant Parisian fashion scene. As the story progresses, Maggie finds herself confronted and lured by the extravagance and allure which she initially had sworn to avoid. She treads the fine line between her galvanic professional life and her new but emotionally demanding personal life rife with the chic milieu, romantic ambiance, and haute couture of Paris.

Louis Jourdan, known for his impeccable charisma, plays Marc Fontaine, a celebrated French designer with a reputation for bewitching women. His character, a mixture of charm and flirtation, establishes a bon vivant presence throughout the movie, making his interaction with Maggie a focal point.

Renowned American actor Richard Crenna brings life and relatability to the character of Ted Barclay, an American reporter in Paris, struggling to balance his evolving romantic feelings for Maggie and his career aspirations. Their relationship develops through a series of comedic occurrences, revealing a more casual and warm side of Paris sprung from love and friendship.

Other pivotal characters, such as Ann-Margret's stern and professional boss, aptly played by Edie Adams, and a cameo by style icon, Countess Ethel de Chasse, played by Ethel Merman, take the movie's glamorous and ostentatious quotient up a notch.

The film is directed by Boris Sagal, who maximized the tempo, entertainment, and extravagant visual sets. The on-location shoots serve as an engaging tourist-eye view of Paris, rendering dreamy, romantic backgrounds to the humorous exchanges and tête-à-têtes amongst the characters. Integral scenes set in the quintessential cafes, endearing city quarters, and beautiful vineyards create a truly atmospheric experience.

Another major highlight of the film is the cinematography. The camera work brilliantly captures the 60s' Paris fashion industry, Parisian street life, and the city's well-known landmarks. Made in Paris is often hailed for its visual appeal with brightly colored dresses, extravagant fashion shows, and opulent Parisian apartments.

What sets Made in Paris apart is the intertwining of romance and comedy with the world of fashion. The admirable performances of the actors, the tantalizing locations, the alluring glamor and the exploration of Parisian fashion industry resurrect the 1960s era with striking vibrancy making it a memorable film.

Indeed, for fans of Ann-Margret, Louis Jourdan, or Richard Crenna, this film is a must-watch. For those who appreciate romantic comedies, Made in Paris serves as a lovingly crafted, beautifully outfitted, romance set within the glamorous fashion industry that captures the heart and the imagination.

Moreover, in the realm of fashion cinema, this film stands carved in stone for visualizing a vibrant and glamorous account of the fashion industry's 1960s era. Captivating visuals, skillful performances, and an engaging storyline make Made in Paris a film long remembered for its adorable romance, hearty laughter, and enticing fashion narratives. Despite being over 50 years old, Made in Paris, even now, invites viewers into a world of glamour, romance, comedy, and style that is as fresh and captivating as on its initial release.