Dec 30th
Gigi**
US 1958. MGM. 119m. Cinemascope

In 19th century Paris, a bored playboy unexpectedly falls for his young friend Gigi, whom to their mutual delight flowers from girl into woman.
Very charming late vintage MGM musical about the yearning of courtship as much as its triumphs, with a lot Parisian charm including use of authentic locations. The slender story is padded along by some memorable musical moments.

Written by: Alan Jay Lerner.
Producer: Arthur Freed.
Director: Vincente Minnelli.
Starring: Leslie Caron, Louis Jourdan, Maurice Chevalier, Hermione Gingold, Isabel Jeans, Jacques Bergerac, Eva Gabor.
Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg.
Music/Lyrics: Frederick Lowe, Alan Jay Lerner.
Musical Direction: Andre Previn.
Production Design/Costume: Cecil Beaton.

GIGI. In these darker days, a song like "Thank Heavens for Little Girls" would have rather sinister overtones, but dear old Maurice Chevalier still had his charm, and "I Remember It Well" with Hermione Gingold is a delight for any generation.