Creepy

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Haha. I know what you mean. A concept like that today would be unheard of and highly criticized, but for the time, film was still innocent. =)

I agree - this is an incredibly disturbing film. And think about "Lolita" being written in the same decade.....something unsettling about this tract in 1950s culture.

For sure.

Maybe for perspective you ought to read Petronius "Satyricon." That world of sexual predation is ancient, real, and well documented in literature. Collette wrote extensively of that world of courtesans and sexual predation. But since she was so involved in it and so well rewarded by that world, nowhere does she write against it, or criticise it.

When Maurice Chevalier and Hermione Gringold sing "I remmber it well" they are both reminding themselves that he had found a 'soul mate' and she had been transformed into a 'soul mate.'

The number about 'drinking champagne' was great.

This movie IS creepy, and on multiple levels as well.

And for those who think this was ok in the 50s; it wasn't. Fact is that those who did understood what was being depicted thought they were being bold, and a fair chunk of the rest of the audience barely knew what was actually happening to think poorly of it. Make no mistake: what you are seeing onscreen is a paean to pederasty.

And while I'm here...the music is garbage. The acting is woeful, especially Chevalier, who seems genuinely confused about where he is. The sets and costumes however are wonderful.

although Gigi is young, ahe is not a child. It is made clear throughout the film that it is the fact that she has grown up that makes her attractive. Likewise, Maurice Chevalier is singing about little girls growing up into big girls. a real pervert would not want them to grow up.