Hecho en París

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.

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 ****

'Made in Paris' was just another flop (film-critical wise) in Ann-Margret's film career, which had started off extremely successful with 'Bye Bye Birdie' and Elvis' most entertaining movie 'Viva Las Vegas' and then kind of took a wrong turn with 'Kitten with a Whip', which she, or better her managers, took instead of 'Cat Ballou'. It was a good movie but a critical disaster. One could say the only really good movie of her early career was 'The Cincinnati Kid', although her presence makes everyone of her films quite a pleasure to watch, even 'The Swinger'.

Yes, this 'romantic comedy' here is not bad. Unfortunately I would have to lie to say it was good. You'll not be harmed by watching it but don't expect The Godfather, though. Despite being a "comedy" the film is not very funny, except maybe for Richard Crenna, who gives the best acting performance here and has the best lines (relatively speaking, this is not Woody Allen quality). Jourdan does his usual French sophisticated charm routine and he and the other supporting players are all quite good.

Of course the simple romantic story was nothing spectacular. The highlight is, as you probably expected, the No. 1 sex kitten of the Sixties, a woman I can easily call the quintessential American beauty and sex symbol of her time and perhaps even all: Ann's sexy dance numbers are energetic, she's a fine dancer and the outfits are well-chosen, showing just enough of cleavage and legs. And that's about it. No surprise: She looks absolutely stunning here and if you happen to be unmoved by her looks, you should NEVER watch it. If you're an Ann-Margret fan, you should definitely give this one a try. Her acting is quite fine (although there's not enough character in the screenplay that could allow a great performance), and her unbelievable charisma and screen presence make this a very watchable movie in the end. Watch it for her and nothing else.

One of the series of mediocre films that saw Ann-Margret's film career stagnate until 'Carnal Knowledge', 'Made In Paris' looks great, has a decent cast and should be at the very least a harmless timewaster. But it's not even that.

What really sinks it is (as other reviews here have noted) how badly written Ann-Margret's character is, going from prim and naive to a wildcat with no rhyme or reason.

I think this is because the film was trying to have its cake and eat it too in trying to represent both the more permissive culture that was developing in mid-1960s America (even though this is mainly set in Paris), while dealing with the restrictions of the conservative Hays Code, then in its dying days. Unfortunately, the script and direction aren't good enough to overcome this contradiction and the film is a largely dreary mess.

Ann-Margret is largely sunk by the horribly-written character she's saddled with. But she does display her skills during a fun dance number and provides some entertainment when briefly showing her 'wild side'.

Of the rest of the cast, Crenna comes off best with a role that you wish had been more substantial. Everett is dull and Adams is wasted in a nothing role that is even more poorly-scripted than Ann-Margret's is.

Only for die-hard Ann-Margret fans.

Ann-Margret is simply irritating trying to play a naive and coy young lady wandering into Paris for her very first time with two (2) men both trying to woo her affections. I could not help but compare it to the earlier 196 film Gidget Goes to Rome starring James Darren, and Cindy Carol which was a more genuine adorable movie for young first time lovers.

Made in Paris was a big disappointment. It also reminded me of any number of Jerry Lewis's 1960's slapstick films. So for a so called Romance genre film it tanked big time.

I give it a lowly 4 out of 10 IMD rating.