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One of the most beloved musicals in movie history, An American in Paris resumed shooting in 1950, after a more than one-month hiatus. During that time star Gene Kelly trained for the Impressionist-inspired final ballet sequence, which remains one of the longest continuous dance sequences in Hollywood screen history. The story of a soldier who makes a home and falls in love in France after WWI, the film received six Academy Awards in 1952, including statues for Best Picture, Best Color Cinematography and Best Screenplay. It features songs by brothers George and Ira Gershwin, who, coincidentally, were also born on this day in 1896.
Film Factoid: This was 19-year-old Leslie Caron’s first film, after being discovered by Gene Kelly after he saw her perform a ballet in Paris. Originally, Cyd Charisse was meant to play the character of Lise, but when the actress found out she was pregnant, Caron was called in to replace her.
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