Quatre jours à Paris (1955)
Directed by André Berthomieu

Film Review

Singing sensation Luis Mariano was at the height of his popularity when he lent his questionable vocal talents to this synthetic musical, an all too obvious attempt to mimic the lavish Technicolor musicals being churned out on the other side of the Atlantic.  Journeyman director André Berthomieu gets good value from his star performer but his work lacks the inspired touch of his Hollywood counterparts, so the film has little to distinguish it from Mariano's other film musicals of this time.  The gaudy sets have the unfortunate effect of making the film look like a television test card but what better setting for a lead actor who looks more like an animated doll than a human being?  The songs are plentiful, the best of the mixed bunch being Gabrielle and Paris Champagne, although the plot is somewhat lacking and seems to fizzle out by the midway point. Inspired by a popular operetta, Quatre jours à Paris is a colourful escapist treat for fans of Luis Mariano, an absolute torment for everyone else.

Film Synopsis

Young Mario, hairdresser at the Hyacinthe beauty clinic, falls in love with Gabrielle, a young girl from the provinces who is passing through Paris.  This suits his friend Nicolas, who is madly in love with Mario's present mistress...