An American in Paris (1951) Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, George & Ira Gershwin

Book Vs. Movie: An American in Paris
The 1928 “Symphonic Poem” Vs. the 1951 Classic Movie

The Margos are starting the New Year with a symphonic poem by George Gershwin that evokes France during the Annees Folles (the 1920s era). The piece was also inspired by Maurice Ravel's "unusual chords." After visiting Paris in 1926, Gershwin sought out teachers, but they all told him that there was no one better than Gershwin himself. He told a reporter that this work was an American's first time in Paris. It premiered at Carnegie Hall on December 13, 1948.

The movie "An American in Paris," which opened on October 4, 1951, stars Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary, and Nina Foch. It includes lyrics by Ira Gershwin and was directed by Vincente Minnelli. The film is one of the most honored musicals in film history.
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The importance of the work of George & Ira Gershwin in music history.
• The challenges of filming dance sequences in film
• The jazz era of the 1920s.
• The cast of the 1951 film: Gene Kelly (Jerry Mulligan,) Leslie Caron (Lisa Bouvier,) Oscar Levant (Adam Cook,) Georges Guetary (Henri Baurel,) Nina Fochs (Milo Roberts), and Eugene Borden as Georges Mattieu.

Clips used:

• Leslie Caron in An American in Paris
• An American in Paris (1951 trailer)
• “Our Love is Here to Stay”
• “I Got Rhythm”
• “Stairway to the Stars”
• “Tra-la-la-la”
• Music: George & Ira Gershwin

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