Gigi is a 1958 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Leslie Caron, Louis Jourdan, Maurice Chevalier, and Hermione Gingold. It is based on the 1944 novella of the same name by Colette

 

Gigi is a 1958 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Leslie Caron, Louis Jourdan, Maurice Chevalier, and Hermione Gingold. It is based on the 1944 novella of the same name by Colette

The film is set in Paris during the Belle Époque at the turn of the 20th century. Gigi (Caron) is a young girl who is being trained by her grandmother (Gingold) and great-aunt (Jeans) to be a courtesan, a kept mistress of wealthy men. Gaston (Jourdan) is a wealthy playboy who is bored with life and has no interest in marriage. He enjoys spending time with Gigi, but only as a friend.

As Gigi matures, she begins to attract the attention of Gaston. He is initially resistant, but he is eventually drawn to her intelligence, charm, and vivacity. Gigi, however, is determined to marry and have a family, and she refuses to be Gaston's mistress.

Gaston eventually realizes that he loves Gigi and wants to marry her. He proposes, and she accepts. The film ends with their wedding, as Gigi embarks on a new life as a wife and mother.

The acting is superb. Caron gives a charming and endearing performance as Gigi, while Jourdan is perfectly cast as the charming but self-absorbed Gaston. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Gingold, Jeans, and Chevalier all giving memorable performances.

The music is beautiful. The songs by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe are some of the most iconic in musical theater history, and they are beautifully performed in the film.

The production values are top-notch. The film is visually stunning, with gorgeous costumes, sets, and cinematography.