Zusammen in Paris

I wish that I could remember the very first time I ever tasted chocolate, or felt a cool breeze, or laughed at a funny joke. I can't, sadly, but if I had to wager, I'd bet that any of those three events felt very similar to my first watching of "Paris.. When It Sizzles." Watching this movie feels like falling in love; sweet and joyful and slightly decadent all at once. It's often given a bad rap, and I can't for the life of me understand why. It's a beautiful, lighthearted romantic comedy, and the chemistry between the incomparable Audrey Hepburn and William Holden is undeniable. I'll admit, "Paris.." is no "Sabrina," another (dare I say perfect) Hepburn/Holden film, but I still feel it deserves a nod as a true classic and as a highlight of the careers of both of its stars. Tony Curtis's cameo is pure comedy, delightful as they come. Make your own decision and see this one for yourself, especially if you are an Audrey fanatic like I am. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

In Paris, the successful alcoholic forty-two years old screenplay writer Richard Benson (William Holden) has three days to write a script to his producer that has paid in advance. The typist Gabrielle Simpson (Audrey Hepburn) arrives to his hotel to type the screenplay. Along the three days, she helps him to develop the story and they fall in love for each other.

"Paris – When It Sizzles" is absolutely silly and naive, but also charming and delightful and only works because of the chemistry between the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn and the ironic William Holden. There are many jokes with the cinema, with many stories within the lead story, and the most hilarious scenes have the uncredited participation of Tony Curtis. Marlene Dietrich and Mel Ferrer have also uncredited participation. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Quando Paris Alucina" ("When Paris Gets Crazy")

This was a visually lush, generally amusing and occasionally clever (especially when dealing with movie conventions) satirical comedy, but sometimes it feels static (most of the action is confined to one room) and it often becomes a little too self-conscious for its own good (were the references to "My Fair Lady" really necessary?). William Holden is perhaps a little too gruff for this kind of film, but Audrey Hepburn is at her sexiest and most animated in this movie, particularly when she lets her hair down. (**1/2)

This hilarious and romantic movie is full of inside jokes. See if you can find the several places where Audrey Hepburn recites lines from her previous films. Also check for cameos by Mel Ferrer (Hepburn's husband at the time) and Marlene Dietrich. Besides all of the cool cameos and inside jokes, this movie is utterly funny in the way that it makes fun of itself. A must see

Paris When It Sizzles is acharming and delightful little comedy showcasing the absurdist talents of Audrey Hepburn and William Holden. The plot concerns a hardened screenwriter and his young protogee as they rush to meet a deadline on a film script. The plot is indeed thin,but what hangs from it is a scenery chewing delight!The film covers various scenarios of the script each involving the electric Hepburn and Holden in the leads. The humor seems to be a precourser to such fims as Airplane,History Of The World and Naked Gun. In addition to Hepburn and Holden,Noel Coward turns in a very funny cameo as the head of the studio. Witty and elegant as ever,I would have liked to have seen more of him in the film.

Over all this film is an underrated delight!