This is me on the streets of Paris a whopping 32 years ago when I was going to school there. Oh, how I loved living in Paris. This photo was taken near my apartment on rue Massenet in the cushy 16th arrondisement. I used to walk around that beautiful city every day and just feel so grateful to be there. It's been way too long since I've been in France. Kendall and I were there about seven or eight years ago and I haven't been there with Leah since her first birthday. I can't wait to go back with my family and show Charlie some of my favorite Parisian haunts.
I can't believe how fast the years have flown by. Can it be possible that today is my 51st birthday? Whaaaaat?! But I remember when my grandparents were in their fifties! I’m continuing my ridiculous tradition of focusing my birthday post on the Oscar-winning Best Picture winner not from the year of my birth, but from the “year of my age,” in this case, 1951. (If you want to know how I fell into this odd custom—hint: it's Kendall's fault—you can check out my posts from past birthdays—46, 47, 48, 49, and 50). The 1951 winner for the Best Picture Academy Award was the MGM musical, “An American in Paris.” You’d think that with my love for Paris, MGM musicals, and Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, I’d be cheering that choice, right? Eh…not really.
To be honest, I was always puzzled by the accolades given to this film. I enjoy watching it, but it is far down on my list of favorite MGM musicals of the 1950s, way behind films such as “The Band Wagon,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Silk Stockings,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” and even “Kiss Me Kate.”
1951 was an important transition year for the movies. The old studio system that had always ruled Hollywood was beginning to collapse. As proof of that, 1951 was the first year that the Academy gave the Best Picture Oscars to the producers of the film rather than to the studio itself.
These are the five films that were nominated for Best Picture that year. In addition to “An American in Paris,” the list includes two films that are among my all-time favorites: Elia Kazan’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando in career-defining performances and George Stevens’ tortuous but brilliant “A Place in the Sun” featuring Elizabeth Taylor at the peak of her beauty. Conventional wisdom at the time said that those two A-list films split the vote and thus handed the award over to the first musical to win since “The Great Ziegfeld” in 1936. Who knows? I would have voted for “A Streetcar Named Desire,” a film that still slays me every time I see it. The other two nominated films were the questionable “Quo Vadis?” Mervyn Leroy’s scenery-chewing Roman epic starring Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, and an over-the-top Peter Ustinov as Nero, and “Decision Before Dawn,” an interesting film directed by Anatole Litvak about the Americans using German POWs to gather intelligence towards the end of World War II. This film is largely forgotten today but in 1951 it probably got the “isn’t it time we started making more probing films about World War II?” vote.
The most puzzling omission from this list is John Huston’s “The African Queen,” a magnificent film by anyone’s standards and the kind of film that usually gets recognized by the Academy. What gives? Was somebody mad at Huston? Not that it was completely ignored. Humphrey Bogart finally took home an Oscar (beating out Marlon Brando’s electrifying Stanley Kowalski) for his role as coarse boat captain Charlie Allnut. As an aside, I always loved this film and remember admiring Bogart’s performance so late in his career. How amazing he was able to pull it off being such a very old man. Um…can you guess how old Humphrey Bogart was when he shot this film? Yep…51! Oy.
I remember my flight to Paris in September 1978 with all the other American students that were joining me that year at the Sorbonne. I don't know if we had chartered a whole plane, but I vividly remember the film they screened on board that flight: “An American in Paris.” An appropriate choice, but even then I think I was spewing my criticisms of the film to anyone who would listen (no wonder I didn't have that many friends that year). One thing that bothered me about “An American in Paris” was the decision to shoot the entire film at the MGM lot in Culver City. Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn could shlep to Uganda and the Congo to shoot “The African Queen” (Hepburn suffered from dysentery during much of the filming and had to have a bucket on hand between scenes for her constant vomiting), but Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron couldn't endure a few weeks in Paris shooting exteriors?
Avoiding location shoots was not new for MGM but there's something about the artifice of the film that annoys me. Yes, it contains a slew of wonderful Gershwin songs and I recognize the artistry of Kelly’s 16-minute ballet that closes the film even though I don't want to watch it very often. To me most of the characters are pretty stock—the only one I come close to identifying with is Gene Kelly's neurotic pianist friend played by Oscar Levant. Sadly, I can relate far more to the characters played by Montgomery Clift and Shelley Winters in “A Place in the Sun,” people who are desperate to fit in but ultimately know they just can't break free from their own internalized pain. I can also relate to Blanche Dubois' delusions, Stanley Kowalski's boorish impatience, and Stella's dysfunctional denial. Yikes, what a terrifying composite character I am creating.
On the other hand, before you call my therapist, I will say that my 51st birthday felt much more like an MGM musical than any somber black-and-white drama. I can only describe it as “s’wonderful” and “s’marvelous!” Kendall, Leah, and I had an amazing dinner at the same restaurant we went to last year on my birthday when Charlie was still in the NICU. But this time he was right there with us, charming everyone at the Beverly Wilshire with his amazing personality and new “kissy face.” True, I may be getting up there, but I could not be more grateful for my family who bring Technicolor joy into my life every single day. I am right there with Gene Kelly singing this song to my loved ones:
It’s very clear
Our love is here to stay.
Not for a year
But ever and a day.
In time the Rockies may tumble
Gibralter may crumble
They’re only made of clay
But…our love is here to stay!
Joyeux anniversaire ! from the Parisian in the United States!
with love
Posted by: Otir | September 05, 2010 at 02:32 PM
You look so much younger than 32 in that picture. S00 cute and handsome!
It was great to see you today!
Posted by: Campbell | September 05, 2010 at 02:53 PM
I meant to call you all day yesterday! I actually wanted to put a birthday comment on your blog, but that somehow seemed incredibly inappropriate on the previous one, which is what I saw yesterday. Yes, I know, since when has impropriety ever stopped me?
Hope to see you this week, you young thang you!
Happy Birthday!
S
Posted by: Sheila Linderman | September 05, 2010 at 05:01 PM
Happy birthday, Danny. Next year in Paris?
Posted by: Julie R. | September 05, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Heather | September 05, 2010 at 08:02 PM
When you're 66, you can write about Mame, my favorite musical from childhood. :-)
Happy birthday, Danny!
Posted by: Jane | September 05, 2010 at 09:10 PM
Happy, if somewhat belated, Birthday from the geographic center of France, Danny!
I thought about you before, during, and after your birthday but I'm up to my elbows in primer in rooms with 10ft ceilings.
It is a funny coincidence, reading your post: I flew to Paris for a month in July 1978, 4 months before Harvey Milk and George Moscone were murdered by Dan White, and 6 months before I moved to San Francisco for a 10 year stint, on my way to France for the duration.
I have a whole house for you, Kendall, Charlie, and Leah to share with us any time you want to wander down our way. Thus, all the painting...
I could never wrap my mind around "An American in Paris" either.
Many Happy Returns,
Posted by: The Pliers | September 06, 2010 at 12:05 AM
Merci a tous! Campbell, the photo was taken 32 years AGO so I was only 19! But now that I look at it more closely and see that ridiculous "portable" Betamax equipment I'm carrying, I realize that this photograph was taken two years later when I was 21 and visiting Paris with a friend (Leslie). I can't believe I shlepped that video equipment all over Paris (back in those pre-home video days)! Where's that footage?
Posted by: Danny | September 06, 2010 at 04:00 AM
Glad you had a great birthday, Danny. I never liked American in Paris either because it seemed so artificial. I had forgotten it won best picture that year against those more worthy films. One last tribute to Mayer's MGM, I guess. Yes, Huston was out of favor then & living in Ireland. He was one of the first to do regular location shoots as an independent with financial support from big producers like Ray Stark and Sam Spiegel and never lived in the States regularly again.
Posted by: Pam G | September 06, 2010 at 06:40 AM
happy birthday and many more
Posted by: jeff(not spencer's dad) | September 06, 2010 at 07:59 AM
Happy Birthday. But I totally disagree with you all about American in Paris. Gershwin's work alone makes it a classic. As for the artifice you mention. It is a movie. It was a deliberate choice to film on a stage so that an impressionistic world could be created to give the film it's dreamlike quality. These are among the best sets ever designed. Kiss me Kate--are you mad?
Posted by: HelenA | September 06, 2010 at 08:16 AM
Gorgeous! Many, many Happy Days ahead, Danny. You all deserve every one of them. Best, best wishes.
Posted by: tamarika | September 06, 2010 at 08:54 AM
Happy Birthday Danny!
Posted by: Jeff | September 07, 2010 at 06:20 AM
Happy Belated Birthday! How lucky to have studied in Paris!
Here's hoping for many ,many more & L'Shana Tova (happy New year too)!!!
someone suggested that Our love is here to stay was the first song Ira wrote after George died, so perhaps it is about brotherly love also. `
Posted by: Judy | September 07, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Dear Danny,
I'm not meaning to put a damper on your special day, but, "Our Love is Here to Stay" was Ron and Nancy's special song. LOL.
I definitely agree with your film critique.
For me, there are two qualities that make a film great: you can watch it and enjoy it again and again, and if you happen to come in in the middle of the film, you have to sit down and watch the rest of it.
"The African Queen," and "A Streetcar Named Desire" certainly qualify.
Happy 51st birthday.
May you have at least 51 more !
Thanks,
Gordon
Posted by: Gordon | September 07, 2010 at 06:38 PM
Happy birthday Danny! I hope 51 will be a year filled with much joy and laughter for you and your family!
Posted by: Elise | September 08, 2010 at 02:35 AM
Happy belated, Danny! isn't it so much better now than you thought it would be when you were in your twenties?
Posted by: churlita | September 08, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Happy belated sweet Danny, glad u guys had fun!! Don't u worry, u will be starring in your own movie verrrryyyy soon!! A filmmaker near me is working on it, your next step MAY just be Broadway!!
xo
Posted by: Michelle | September 08, 2010 at 11:32 AM
A Very Happy Birthday, Danny.....! It sounds like you had a WONDERFUL dinner with loved ones--what more could anyone ask for on their "special" day?
I agree with you about this Musical---it never had an authentic look and is certainly not one of my favorite Musical Films, in any way---though I love Gene Kelly...I can remember being shocked that it won Best picture over "Streetcar" and "A Place in The Sun".....both truly spectacular films in every way....
I wish you 51 more Happy Birthdays and ALL of them celebrated with loved ones.
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | September 08, 2010 at 05:31 PM
Happy Birthday Danny Miller from Linda Adelman Johannesen! Liz Horan (she's just the best!) mentioned seeing you... and yes, she introduced us, oh so long ago and far away... that amazing Tom Smother's project that launched both our careers! Just discovered your AmAzinG blog, your writing sings and stings, those Chicago-style rantings are just hitting the spot for me. I'm gonna be a regular fan, jew care?
MAZEL TOV to you and Kendall on such a darling boychik Charlie, so beautiful (and clearly so much cognition occuring behind those eyes!) Enjoy 51, Danny. At this moment, you're the youngest you will ever be... enjoy! oy! Linda
Posted by: Linda Adelman Johannesen | September 09, 2010 at 03:25 PM
I have to agree with you about "An American in Paris". I think much of that move is kind of routine. It seems like it was awarded an Oscar soley for the closing ballet rather than the movie as a whole. As for that other Oscar, Levant, I wish he was better remembered. He's such a fish out of water in those old movies.
Posted by: Kirk | September 11, 2010 at 02:02 PM
Paris Touched Our Hearts Never To Leave
By D.K. Milgrim-Heath©2010
Paris touched our hearts never to leave-
Glorious memories years later we still receive.
Thinking of great musicals made in 1951-
When either of us were even aged one!
Musicals of the nostalgic beauty of Paris for you and me-
Never as great by today's standards we see.
Going there when I was only nine-
Paris being Paris memories of my parents so divine.
You went to Paris at age nineteen-
Oh La-La and not an age younger in between!
Yes being Americans in Paris we forever will treasure-
Those yesteryear moments shared with our children are forever!
Every little memory's stamped meticulously in our brain-
Going there with your children’s was heaven once again!
I’ve not gone with my own children hopefully someday I will-
Paris will forever be our Paris that memorial French city still.
Posted by: D.K.Milgrim-Heath | September 13, 2010 at 07:03 AM
Happy Birthday, Danny. I've never been to Paris. Hope to go some day.
About An American In Paris: Though I agree that Streetcar and Place in the Sun are more important movies and should have won the Oscar, there's nothing in the world beats an MGM musical (except maybe an Astaire/Rogers RKO musical). You're absolutely right that it isn't in the same tier as Bandwagon, or Singin' in the Rain (I have to disagree with you about Seven Brides - never much cared for it), but really, just watching Gene dance his way through getting up in the morning is worth putting up with the overblown Ballet Finale.
Posted by: DebbieW | September 13, 2010 at 02:06 PM