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Paris When It Sizzles

Paris When It Sizzles

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: THE GIRL WHO STOLE THE EIFFEL TOW--NO, WAIT, HOW ABOUT THIS?
Review: If you are French or of French ancestry, celebrating Bastille Day (July 14) outside of France, this is the film for you. Audrey Hepburn and William Holden are great in this stream-of- conciousness story of a writer and his typist creating an original script in just one weekend, about a plot that takes place, in Paris, all in one day-Bastille Day (July 14). Although some viewers, who are not willing to watch with an open mind, may find it hard to follow, those who watch with the proper perspective will thoroughly enjoy this spoof on the difficulties involved in the creative process. Watching Audrey Hepburn's and William Holden's characters distill their sudden ideas and sudden blocks into a cohesive and logical storyline are a joy to follow along with. Even though it can be a start-stop-start-stop train of thought, that's the real fun of this movie: watching the "story- within-the-story" evolve. You don't what to expect next, what parts of what you just watched will be deleted, will they move backward or forward? THAT'S the challenge and the FUN of this great, visionary (and for its time,experimental) film! Of course, the wonderful scenery, fashions, and production values are in keeping with what viewers would expect from an Audrey Hepburn comedy. Watch for Tony Curtis in a hilarious cameo role as Audrey Hepburn's beatnik boyfriend. Audrey's Gabrielle is equally hilarious trying to communicate with him in beatnik-speak, and winds up sounding like France's first (Loire)Valley Girl..."Oh, Maurice, I'm, LIKE, so happy for you..." Also watch for cameos by Marlene Dietrich, and others, including a voice-over cameo by Frank Sinatra, as imagined singing the would-be title song of the film being created, "The Girl Who Stole The Eiffel Tower." Break out the baguettes, the escargot, and the Perrier: the scene in which the writers order room service will have you salivating on the spot. And remember, "it's a twist on a twist on a twist on a twist on a twist on a twist on a...."

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Only for Hardcore Fans
Review: Movies about moviemaking are generally narcissistic exercises, and this film is no exception. Too bad so many inexperienced filmmakers get caught in the classic trap of making a film about their own activities. Here it is done with a big budget and two of my favorite stars. It is said this film sat in the can for two years before it was released so this is Holden/Hepburn (reunited after Sabrina) circa 1961/62. The story is dull, fluffy and filling like whipped cream, the dialogue is reasonably good, and I am a great fan of both these people. The period of the early 60's offers forth it's abundant and wasteful values, interesting just in that aspect alone. I love that apartment. Audrey is absolutely gorgeous, William is in unbelievable shape, and they both exude huge amounts of energy all for a bunch of fluff. Enjoy!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: There are no words...
Review: Oh wait. There are! Can we say "classic"? Okay, maybe not "classic" in the classical sense of the word, but this has to be one of Audrey Hepburn's best movies, if not simply for the comedy. The first time I saw this, I was on vacation in Hawaii. I laughed so hard, I knew I had to see it again. I rented it three times before my mom finally bought it for me and now I can't get enough of it. My friends and I quote it all the time and, despite the strange looks from the people who don't understand, we love it.

Audrey: On Sundays, if I was a good girl, I would get to feed the giraffes!
William: Don't tell me you had giraffes as a child too!

It doesn't get any better than this duo. I mean, they have such chemistry that they can pull off a kiss 4 minutes into the movie (yes, we counted)! Great! If you are looking for a movie to watch, this will work any day of the week. It's better with friends though, because the laughter just increases. So rent or buy...just watch!!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Not Your Every Day Classic
Review: One of Audrey Hepburn's quirkier films Paris When It Sizzles is a story of a secretary (Hepburn) who comes to type up a wealthy film writers (Holden) script. Much to her surprise there is no script to write. To further the dilemma the script has to be finished within a couple of days. The real film is a jump in and out of reality as you see what is in Holdens mind. Naturally he messes up a few times and you have to rewind and start over again or change a character, therefore, the film changes just like that. Then Hepburn/Holden chemistry you think would be there, considering they had already filmed together before (Sabrina). However, it seems tense and slightly uncomfortable, possibly due to Holden's drinking and his crush on Hepburn. But all in all it is a unique film that might be your answer if the every day classic bores you.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A great surprise
Review: Paris When It Sizzles is a great tale that I found played off of bits of other Audrey Hepburn movies, making vague refrences to movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany's which enhances the movie if you are a true fan and collector of Hepburn movies. Truely a comedy, the characters are original and classic. William Holden does a fantastic job of portraying his character. It was not what I had expected, but what a wonderful surprise.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: As fluffy as a cloud.
Review: Paris When it Sizzles is one of those films that is pure escapism and fluff and I loved every second of it. A lot of people dismiss films of this genre but when it is as witty and well acted as this one you just gotta love it! Holden and Hepburn reteam here; their first movie was Sabrinia and this time he gets the girl. The plot is simple, writer is blocked and hires a typist played by Hepburn who with her smile and elegance quickly becomes Holden's muse. The movie takes you all over Paris in beautiful colorful images and breathtaking cinematogrophy. Holden has always been a screen presence in it's highest power his rugged looks and stattaco voice makes him the ultimate movie star and Hepburn is their to match him in every way as his female equal! This film is the best way to spend a rainy sunday or any day for that matter!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Stupid, but still has fun moments...
Review: There's so much to say. I saw this in 1964 when it was first released, and thought to myself that George Axelrod was having writer's block, so he wrote a movie about it. Richard Quine directed most of the bubbly comedies in the 60's (which are now justifiably forgotten), and this is almost one of them. There are many things, however, that make this film compelling to a film aficianado (as I like to think of myself). The acting is unforgivably hammy, but the hamminess is energetic. Let's not forget that Hepburn (Roman Holiday) and Holden (Stalag 13), both won the top acting Oscars in 1953, and they were paired the following year by the great Billy Wilder in "Sabrina". There, they had absolute chemistry; 10 years later...where'd it go? There are an awful lot of very clever one-liners. I liked most of them. Especially clever was when she was chased around the table by the vampire, and terrific product placement has a bottle of Heinz Steak Sauce visible. There are clever cameos from Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich, Tony Curtis and Frank Sinatra (vocal). Unfortunately, clever one-liners do not make a plot. There really isn't one. Still, it's some great actors having more fun than the viewer. Hepburn is quite radiant; Holden still has charm (mixed with smarm). There's also Fred Astaire singing "That Face", which I think is original for this film. Not a bad song. Referring to Audrey, the song is appropriate. She never looked so beautiful, even in "My Fair Lady", released the same year. I guess it's a pretty lousy film overall, though production values are high. The DVD has a nice 1.85:1 LBX, though Paramount had VistaVision, which was wider (20th Century Fox had Cinemascope, United Artists had Panavision, etc). The price is right, but if you want to really watch great actors chew up scenery, hammy 'n all, wait for the DVD release of "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte". It might happen...It's a GREAT display of film-making and production values. As a film achievement, "Paris When It Sizzles" ...fizzles...

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Story within a Story
Review: This is a really fun romantic comedy. Granted not one of your typical Audrey Hepburn films or performances, but this was just an instant fun film to really enjoy. I think because it's not your typical Audrey film there's a lot of misunderstandings towards this film with other fans. I found it to be rather fun and adventurous the first time I saw it. The chemistry between Audrey and William Holden is spectacular on the screen. It's about a Hollywood writer who is writing for his next film, he's your typical Hollywood writer who meets this beautiful girl who comes to help him write or type the script for him. Gabby loves life which is why she's in Paris and ends up falling in love with him the short time they are there together writing the script.

The really fun and amusing part of the story is that there are many tag's in this movie and brings up other Audrey's films. You also get to see many different characters and watch them all perform many different roles. The backdrop of Paris just makes it even more intriguing and romantic.

So don't let it get you down that it's not your "typical" film. If you want original, fun, and a romantic movie and you will love this classic.

As far as the DVD goes. There's really not much on it, but it's very well put together and enjoyable to watch as far as the quality goes.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: THERE AREN'T ENOUGH STARS!!!
Review: This is by far my absolute favorite Audrey Hepburn film. I just love the quick pace and the fantastical storytelling. Plus, it stars Audrey Hepburn. What more do you need?

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: great film
Review: This is indeed a great film with William Holden and Audrey Hepburn and is seldom shown on television. It's a romantic and entertaining tales of fantasy and enjoyable all the way through. Audrey and William Holden prove in this film they are a great couple with lots of chemistry, but proved it even earlier, when they did "Sabrina," another great film Highly recommend. "When Paris Sizzles," will really get your attention and be enjoyable to watch.


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