wes-connors
Beautiful fashion model, salesgirl and assistant buyer Ann-Margret (as Maggie Scott) dates handsome boss' son Chad Everett (as Ted Barclay). When it's time to make out on the sofa, Ann-Margret hits Mr. Everett violently on the head with an "Objet d'art". Everett survives, but with a bandaged head. After the credits, Ann-Margret learns she is being transferred to Paris, where she'll work as a fashion consultant. It's a glamorous and exciting job. Ann-Margret is courted by famous fashion designer Louis Jourdan (as Marc Fontaine) and playboy reporter Richard Crenna (as Herb Stone). Everett also goes to Paris, probably because he regrets asking Mr. Crenna to look after Ann-Margret. Co-worker Edie Adams (as Irene Chase) tries to explain Mr. Jourdan needs sexual satisfaction, but Ann-Margret doesn't seem to understand...Ann-Margret is an amazing beautiful woman, and director Boris Sagal provides opportunities to see her underclothing. Dressing and undressing scenes are a highlight of "Made in Paris". One standout moment has the leading lady flashing a sexy glimpse of upper thighs while getting up and going to do something impossible to remember unless you're not looking up her short nightie. You could almost see France, but all of this story was done in the US. Of course, you see nothing, but it's Ann-Margret. The actual story is incredibly dull. There is a dreadful "fashion show" segment with stuff Mr. Jourdan's character admits no woman is going to wear. Ann-Margret has a lively dance segment, but this film otherwise wastes its star. The question, "Will her virginity remain intact until just after the closing credits?" is answered.*** Made in Paris (1966-02-09) Boris Sagal ~ Ann-Margret, Chad Everett, Louis Jourdan, Richard Crenna
richard-1787
TCM ran this tonight, and I had to wander why. There's plenty of talent here, but not in the script or the direction.Poor Ann-Margret, who was an accomplished dancer - and, of course, a very attractive woman - gets stuck in a role where her only dancing is a very bad knock-off of what made her famous in Bye, Bye Birdie. She plays someone so naive and puritanical that all her sex appeal fails to overcome the impression that she's one frigid, repressed basket case.The rest of the movie isn't much better. Good to very good actors get stuck in roles that barely have two dimensions.And don't let the "Paris" in the title fool you. Most of this movie was filmed not just on sets - after all, that was true of An American in Paris as well, and that is a stupendous movie - but uninteresting sets, hotel rooms that may have been left over from MGM's 1939 Ninotchka. The only atmospheric moment is an embarrassment. AM and Louis Jourdain appear on the set used for Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron in AAIP, the great Seine River scene where the two great dancers dance and fall in love. This time, however, that same set is shot without any of the poetry that has immortalized it in AAIP. The song is not great Gershwin, but an forgettable flop. And there is no dancing. Even though AM was a great dancer. Talk about wasting an opportunity! In short, there really is nothing to recommend this movie. Those in it all did better, much better, elsewhere. It's often embarrassing to watch them here.Skip it.
Ripshin
Overall, this grab-bag of 60s genres really doesn't work very well. The MGM gloss is clearly evident, however, and some of the set pieces are not to be missed.Two-thirds of the way through this flick, I realized that I had lost interest, mainly due to weak characterizations, and stupid plot contrivances. The AM dance number and subsequent vocal come out of nowhere - this is definitely an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink script.AM's performance is unsubstantial, although LJ provides his usual touch of sophistication. RC and CE are completely inconsequential.Recommended only for set and costume design......and perhaps for the chance to see AM in her prime.
moonspinner55
An American fashion-buyer is sent to Paris on assignment and immediately gets on the wrong side of a major French designer. Soon though, she almost inadvertently manages to charm him, as well as two other men. What is Ann-Margret doing to drive all these eligible bachelors crazy? As far as we in the audience can see: nothing. Yes, she gets to dance a little and sing a pretty ditty on the docks, but the character is haphazardly written. One minute she's a firebrand, the next she's icy, almost frigid. Judging from her teasing and emotional schizophrenia, it's unlikely that suave Louis Jourdan would even give her the time of day. There's a funny gay-misunderstanding gag involving Richard Crenna (who is a lot more appealing than he's supposed to be), however this is one of A-M's weakest starring vehicles of the 1960s. *1/2 from ****