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From Amazon.co.uk
Paris When It Sizzles is an unusual screwball comedy to say the least. Whether it works is another matter, but the premise and humour are interesting enough to make it enjoyable. The basic problem with the film is its two stars: William Holden and Audrey Hepburn hardly sizzle with onscreen chemistry, and Hepburn's character, Miss Simpson, falls far too easily into the hands of Holden's drunken screen writer. However, the story is an interesting play on the typical Hollywood romance, with two plot lines running in parallel to each other. Holden's Richard Benson has only two days to finish a script for an enigmatic producer (Noel Coward). Hepburn's Miss Simpson is drafted in as the typist and as the script is dictated it manifests itself on the screen, allowing the two lead characters to play out any number of romantic stories. It's the cameo appearances in the imaginary world that really steal the show, with the blink-and-you'll-miss-it last screen appearance by Marlene Dietrich, as well as Tony Curtis having fun with his own screen persona. It's not one of Hepburn or Holden's best, but is worth a look purely for the interesting slant on the mechanical nature of Hollywood's romances.
On the DVD Paris When It Sizzles offers little of any note in regards to special features, with only an extended trailer (which seems to try and sell the film on the merits of the stars alone). The mono soundtrack is nothing special, though the print has cleaned up nicely, offering a 1.78:1 widescreen picture that brings the Technicolor to life. --Nikki Disney
Product Description
Having been hired to produce a screenplay for Hollywood producer Alexander Meyerheimer, writer Richard Benson (William Holden) has spent the last three months boozing in Paris instead of concentrating on the job in hand. He now has just three days till his deadline, and so hires temporary secretary Gabrielle Simpson (Audrey Hepburn) to assist him. The secretary proves to be an unexpected source of inspiration, acting out various outlandish plots for Richard and firing his imagination.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The only saving grace for me was Noel Cowards portrayal as the enigmatic catalyst behind the Holden/Hepburn relationship in the film. Really thought that it was going to more, what a terrible vehicle for Hepburn and actually the real life relationship between the two just didn't transpose to screen. Hey ho, you can't win em all!!
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The two stars of PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES look uncomfortable in this - there's no denying it. Gone is the chemistry Holden and Hepburn obviously shared when filming SABRINA. Anyone who watches SABRINA and then watches PARIS cannot fail to notice the difference. It's hard to believe these are the same actors.
PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES is a lightweight, frothy affair, intended as a madcap comedy. Unfortunately, it falls flat on it's face in the comedy stakes, despite both star's obvious best efforts. It appears they are trying too hard, and with good reason. Both were trying to be 'friends', but much water had gone under the bridge in the ten years since SABRINA (a wonderful romantic comedy, directed by Billy Wilder)was made.
At the time when SABRINA was being filmed (1954), Hepburn and Holden fell very deeply in love, and this is evident when watching them at that time, very obviously 'sizzling'. Sadly the relationship went sour, and Hepburn married someone other than the already married Holden. She got over it; he didn't. Holden sank deeply into alcoholism, and later professed Hepburn to be the love of his life.
PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES is the first and last film Holden and Hepburn made together since SABRINA, and little wonder. PARIS is worth a look to see the discomfort of lost love between the two stars, and sadly the descent of Holden (who was later to recover his failing career in exceptional style with THE WILD BUNCH and NETWORK, the latter of which he received an Oscar nomination for.).
Otherwise, PARIS is worth a look only for the cameo appearances of Tony Curtis, Marlene Dietrich, Noel Coward and Mel Ferrer (Hepburn's husband).
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By af
Format:DVD
The only good thing about this film is Hepburn's luminous beauty, perfectly showcased in Givenchy dresses. Otherwise it's lame, boring, and dull, dull, dull. What a waste of two great actors.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
paris when it sizzles
arrived on time, not seen yet so not sure of quality. I love Audrey Hepburn so I hope the quality is good
Published 1 month ago by EAP of B
3.0 out of 5 stars
Cameo role
I wouldn't have bought this for myself but I got it for my partner's Xmas gift - a cameo appearance by Marlene Dietrich has pandered to his completist urges! Read more
Published 16 months ago by stoo
3.0 out of 5 stars
Scratched - but it plays.
I originally purchased this DVD as part of a set from DORSET TRADER but when the set arrived this particular DVD was missing. Read more
Published 23 months ago by herronrath
5.0 out of 5 stars
meaningful, funny and slightly confused
This film like the other Audrey Hepburn film I watched Funny Face has an underlying meaning and is basically partly about the changing role of the sexes and perhaps also about what... Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2011 by Mr. Robert Marsland
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not great, but good enough to smile and enjoy
Never have actors worked so hard to save a script from oblivion! The plot is about a movie with a poor plot. Kinda recursive. It's more a stage play than a movie. Read more
Published on 28 Aug 2010 by Dr John N Sutherland
3.0 out of 5 stars
Audrey Hepburn
So happy to receive this CD which was lost so long ago from my collection. Now its complete I played it again and enjoyed it just as much as first time around - although favourite... Read more
Published on 29 Mar 2010 by Rosema
5.0 out of 5 stars
Paris when it sizzles
As this was a present for a friend I personally did not watch this film, but my friend said it was a great film and enjoyed it very much.
Published on 4 April 2009 by Mr. J. A. Gebbie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get the Audrey Hepburn Boxset
This film sizzles. Many criticise the chemistry but this is not a love at first sight film this is a winning of a girl's heart from a younger more handsome man. Read more
Published on 16 Oct 2007 by Richard Rowell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Paris When It Sizzles
This is a very likeable film. It was a brave choice to set the film inside a duplex hotel room and keep the conversation and electricity of ideas flowing without any major... Read more
Published on 22 Sep 2004 by Mr. W. J. P. Chesterfield
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