Gigi (1949) is a realistic portrayal of the demimonde in 1890s Paris, and the training of a courtesan. The film is generally serious, although there is some humor. It shows interesting locations in old Paris, including a restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower.
Gigi is a 15 year old girl who lives with her grandmother Mamita, and is educated by her aunt Alicia. Gaston is a wealthy friend of the family. Mamita and Alicia were courtesans, and they are educating Gigi about the complex world of the courtesan. Aunt Alicia is still glamorous at age 67. She has curly blonde hair, and wears fancy long black gowns with puffy sleeves and faux roses. She lives in a stylish Art Nouveau apartment building. There is an amusing scene where Aunt Alicia teaches Gigi to identify various jewels.
Gaston is in a relationship with the courtesan Liane. However, Liane is infatuated with Sandomir, an ice skating instructor. Gaston learns that Liane and Sandomir will have a romantic tryst at a country inn. Gaston and Honore disguise themselves in fur coats and goggles, and drive to the inn. Gaston sees his courtesan girlfriend with Sandomir, and breaks off his relationship with Liane. Liane attempts suicide.
The rest of the film is about Gigi and Gaston. Gigi is now 16. Aunt Alicia continues to educate her in feminine wiles to attract a man, which include how to eat lobster, and select a cigar. She also mentions that courtesans are dramatic. They make scenes, break china, and then reconcile in public. Gigi, however, resists the lessons of courtesan allure. She has an independent spirit and believes in true love.
Gaston is a playboy, and does not want to settle down. Gigi does not want a temporary relationship as his courtesan. She wants lasting love and marriage.
The film shows various historic locations in Paris. (Some of the scenes appear to be of the actual locations, others are studio recreations. Either way, the scenes have an authentic look.)
There is an elevator built on the outside of the Eiffel Tower, which takes customers to a restaurant inside.
Couples skate at the Palais des Glaces, a historic ice skating rink.
The exterior of Aunt Alicia's Art Nouveau apartment building is shown, with ironwork tendrils decorating the doorways and windows.
The sets and costumes also show period detail. Gaston drives a very early automobile, which looks like an 1890s Peugeot.
The apartment interiors have plush furniture, oriental rugs, and elaborate wallpaper. Liane wears a skating costume and hat trimmed with fur.
Although the story is politically incorrect, this film should not be disregarded. It realistically shows the demimonde and the plight of the courtesan. The Parisian locations are historic, the sets and costumes have authentic period detail, and the acting is natural.
The quality of the only surviving print of "Gigi" (1949) is not good. This rare film should be restored.
Gigi is a 15 year old girl who lives with her grandmother Mamita, and is educated by her aunt Alicia. Gaston is a wealthy friend of the family. Mamita and Alicia were courtesans, and they are educating Gigi about the complex world of the courtesan. Aunt Alicia is still glamorous at age 67. She has curly blonde hair, and wears fancy long black gowns with puffy sleeves and faux roses. She lives in a stylish Art Nouveau apartment building. There is an amusing scene where Aunt Alicia teaches Gigi to identify various jewels.
Gaston is in a relationship with the courtesan Liane. However, Liane is infatuated with Sandomir, an ice skating instructor. Gaston learns that Liane and Sandomir will have a romantic tryst at a country inn. Gaston and Honore disguise themselves in fur coats and goggles, and drive to the inn. Gaston sees his courtesan girlfriend with Sandomir, and breaks off his relationship with Liane. Liane attempts suicide.
The rest of the film is about Gigi and Gaston. Gigi is now 16. Aunt Alicia continues to educate her in feminine wiles to attract a man, which include how to eat lobster, and select a cigar. She also mentions that courtesans are dramatic. They make scenes, break china, and then reconcile in public. Gigi, however, resists the lessons of courtesan allure. She has an independent spirit and believes in true love.
Gaston is a playboy, and does not want to settle down. Gigi does not want a temporary relationship as his courtesan. She wants lasting love and marriage.
The film shows various historic locations in Paris. (Some of the scenes appear to be of the actual locations, others are studio recreations. Either way, the scenes have an authentic look.)
There is an elevator built on the outside of the Eiffel Tower, which takes customers to a restaurant inside.
Couples skate at the Palais des Glaces, a historic ice skating rink.
The exterior of Aunt Alicia's Art Nouveau apartment building is shown, with ironwork tendrils decorating the doorways and windows.
The sets and costumes also show period detail. Gaston drives a very early automobile, which looks like an 1890s Peugeot.
The apartment interiors have plush furniture, oriental rugs, and elaborate wallpaper. Liane wears a skating costume and hat trimmed with fur.
Although the story is politically incorrect, this film should not be disregarded. It realistically shows the demimonde and the plight of the courtesan. The Parisian locations are historic, the sets and costumes have authentic period detail, and the acting is natural.
The quality of the only surviving print of "Gigi" (1949) is not good. This rare film should be restored.