A Scandal in Paris (1946)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Sadly Over-hyped

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

This is a story about a real-life criminal turned private detective character - Eugéne Vidocq – set in C18th and C19th France. George Sanders plays the character but unfortunately, things are rushed as we skip forwards and Sanders sleepwalks through the film in a lacklustre manner. We also mistakenly get two comedy characters who are given significant roles – Akim Tamiroff (Emile) as murderous sidekick and loyal admirer of Sanders carrying out duties such as dressing his buddy and generally admiring him, and former chief of police Gene Lockhart who is inexcusably meant to lend yet more comedy to proceedings. Add to that a completely wet fish love interest in the form of Signe Hasso (Therese) and the film is not stacking up well.The best in the cast by a mile is gold-digger showgirl Carole Landis (Loretta) and she boosts the watchability single-handedly. Unfortunately, she is not in the film long enough. Given there is quite a slight storyline to the film, her moments are all memorable whether it be her singing performance (the best moment of the film) or her dialogue delivery and acting gestures which provide the only moments of true comedy.The makers of the film should have made this story more true to life and informed the audience more about this Vidocq character. I have no doubt it would have been a far more interesting story. He has a fantastic legacy and very engaging life story if you read up about him.

A baby born in a Paris jail, twenty-something adult criminal George Sanders (as Eugene François Vidocq) escapes from a prison with his portly cell-mate Akim Tamiroff (as Emile Vernet). True to form, Mr. Sanders becomes a debonair jewel thief and elegant dresser. Remember, foppish powdered wigs are the height of fashion. Sanders spends time romancing scantily-clad singer-dancer Carole Landis (as Loretta) and love-struck heiress Signe Hasso (as Therese). The former lights up the screen in a fiery shadow dance and the latter likes to swim with her girlfriends in their undergarments...Sanders rises in Parisian society and is effective in some later parts of this overly-mannered, comic-laced crime adventure. However, the much admired character actor is not very engaging through most of the running time. Sanders is miscast as the swashbuckling French rogue. His neatly trimmed, bored, and suave British demeanor simply doesn't fit the part. Some strengths are director Douglas Sirk artfully setting up some scenes, the cute "little sister" performance essayed by Jo Ann Marlowe (as Mimi), and the choreographed acting of "Satan" the pet monkey. In the end, the monkey wins.**** A Scandal in Paris (7/19/1946) Douglas Sirk ~ George Sanders, Signe Hasso, Akim Tamiroff, Carole Landis

Have always wanted to view this film starring George Sanders,(Eugene Francois Vidocq) along with Signe Hasso,(Therese De Pierremont) and Carole Landis ( Loretta). This film had plenty of comedy, drama and romance going on with sexy Loretta who doesn't mess around with Eugene Vidocq except when she lets him take her garter off her leg in those horse draw carriages in France years and years ago. Gene Lockhart,(Police Chief Richet) who marries Loretta and becomes a jealous lover and follows her throughout the streets of Paris with bird cages on his back. Gene Lockhart gave a great supporting role and was the father of June Lockhart in the series, "Lassie". Akim Tamiroff, (Emile Vernet) was a buddy to Eugene Vidocq and was another great thief and professional con-man who would steal a bind man of his pencils. It was great seeing Carole Landis looking so sexy and beautiful and who took her own life in 1948. This is a great Classic film from 1946 and well worth your time to view. Enjoy !

his costume drama is ill cast and without charm.George Sanders was a superb character actor. But he is thoroughly implausible here as the lead, an Eighteenth Century rogue known for his philosophy and great good looks. His costar is, of all people, Akim Tamiroff. Some Frenchman! Then there's Signe Hasso, in a dark wig, as the virginal daughter of a wealthy family. Carole Landis fares best. The movie opens with her in silhouette. She is a soubrette, and a naughty girl at that. She disappears for a while but turns up in an improbably situation. But she's good. She was always an appealing actress. Here she is cast closest to her usual type of role.It's meant to be a little naughty, kind of ooh-la-la. It ought to have had a light touch but it's a leaden affair from start to finish.