At The Movies... Paris is Always A Good Idea By Cinematic Expert Stephanie Mardesich
“Paris is always a good idea”* and apres the 69th BFI London Film Festival, where I was press delegate in October (since the 46th) that will be featured in December “At The Movies….” I took the “Eurostar” (train under the English Channel) from London St. Pancras station to the Gare de Nord in the “City of Lights” Paris, France in about three hours. It was uncanny timing because the day before my departure the audacious jewel heist at the Musee de Louvre (19 octobre) occurred and was dominating international news headlines.
My “bon copain” (good friend) Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn “winged in” from LAX to meet me. We have talked about visiting Paris together and it was a delayed b’day celebration pour moi, and added to my cinematic cultural odyssey reminiscing about and when I was a student for “cours de vacance” at University de Dijon, Burgundy, revisiting favorite places, including Palais Garnier (opera house with the ghost of the” Phantom” as our guide), attending mass in the newly restored Cathedral de Notre Dame truly feeling the presence of God in the miraculously restored ancient church. It was truly a spiritual experience graced by moments of “Shhhhh – silence s’il vous plait” (a female voice requesting visitors be please be quiet in church) and poignantly recollecting of the tragic hunchback Quasimodo. I finally was able to visit the Cinematheque francaise for exceptional Orson Welles exhibit in Musee Melies that included at least eight updated scripts from Citizen Kane, cruising on the Seine recalling, considering memorable films set in Paris where the river is fundamental dividing the Rive Gauche et Rive Droite (left and right banks) that depict such varied aspects of life and culture.
During my last time in Paris (2023) after dining in the famed Café de la Paix now part of Le Grand Paris Intercontinental Hotel I declared when I returned I’d stay there and indeed that was our residence. We enjoyed the amenities of the truly grand hotel with hallway corridors about 15 feet across, petite balconies to enjoy the sights and sounds of the neighborhood; and the ball room rivals any in a grand palace, truly exquisite. Erected in 1865) it’s perfectly situated in the 8th arrondisment to enjoy historic sites, stroll, shop; and just across from the celebrated Palais Garnier (Opera House). The hotel is part of “Intercontinental Hotel Group” (IHG) and worth joining their program to gain points and enjoy upgrades and amenities like the “Club Lounge” where we enjoyed our petite dejeuner and more during our stay. The staff were warm and welcoming and consummate professionals.
We arrived Lundi (Monday) afternoon and had arranged a tour of Palais Garnier, erected c. 1861. There are public and self-guided tours and it is a “must” when in Paris. Being so impressed from my previous visit in 2023 I was compelled to return and able to set up a special press pass vis a vis my credentials with lovely “Albane”, and the invisible “Phantom”, as our guide, regaling us with stories and details. We began back stage where the costumes for the variety of productions, not just opera, are created, as dubbed it the “Tutu Tour” because of the dozens of ballerina costumes hanging from the rafters. It was fascinating to see where the pigments are made to dye fabric and the intricate construction. After being in the immense baroque “hall of mirrors” with stunning art work and stuatues, and the magnificent auditorium gazing up at the Marc Chagall painted ceiling we were escorted on the stage itself and walked where so many great opera and other stars have performed.
It goes without saying Paris is epitome of cuisine – the bad food (if any) is better than the good in most cities/countries. Our first dinner was in Café de la Paix with Bolon huitres (oysters), salade friesee, pommes de terre, filet de sole meuniere and a great Chablis, preceded by gin and tonic toast to Hemingway and the “Lost Generation.”
Mardi (Tuesday) we enjoyed petite dejeuner in the hotel’s special “club lounge” then took a taxi (passing the main courtyard of the Louvres sill abuzz from the big heist) to tour and attend Mass in Cathedral de Notre Dame. There’s no admission fee to the Cathedral, however it is crowded and there’s a queue. We were promptly admitted and began the one way walk around the vestibules, lit candles, admired art, had solemn moments, and joined the congregation for Mass. As we exited we admired the edifice in the lovely sunshine, then strolled across to Rive Gauche to sit in a side walk cafe enjoy an aperitif and home made potato chips, and take in the buzz of people and traffic.
It was suggested we visit the new Restoration Hardware (RH) “signature store” in the Champs Elysee so we hailed a taxi (though the Metro is efficient I prefer to be above ground and see all the sites). About half an hour later we arrived at the sumptuously decadent “RH”. The rooftop restaurant was closed because of some showers and we had dinner plans at Le Grand Colbert, so we returned to our lovely hotel to change, have cocktail in the special lounge and then to La Grand Colbert, classic brasserie (founded c. 1899 when the historic site was transformed into a restaurant) featured and made more famous for the delightful movie Something’s Gotta Give (see notes following). We were seated at the very table featured in the movie replete with the clap board designating the scene and enjoyed more exquisite huitres, “the best” poulet roti (as Diane Keaton’s character in the film heralds), haricots verts, pommes frites and a fine Chanzy Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023; and chatted with newly wed diners from NYC at table next to us .
Vendredi (Wednesday) my plan was to call in at Cinematheque francais for the exceptional exhibition tribute to the iconic director/actor Orson Welles in Musee Melies. Founded in 1936 by Henri Langlois (who literally saved the French cinema from being destroyed by the Nazis), located in the 12th arrondissement, the non-profit film organization has one of the largest archives of film documents and film-related objects in the world. The archive offers daily screenings of films from around the world. I’m privileged to have met the genius of screen and stage when I was film student at University of Southern California and encountered him many several times over the years dining in epicurean style in Los Angeles/Beverly Hills restaurants.
After a few hours in the Musee I rejoined Janice and we set off for a Batteaux Mouche Seine river cruise (think Charade though in the daylight) with views of historic buildings and le Tour Eiffel. Afterward we went for steak and (never ending) frites at Entrecote (there are several in Paris) just off Champs Elysee, where we later strolled buying souvenirs and post cards from the street vendors with view of the Arc de Triomphe looming in the evening lights, always an amazing inspiring sight.
Jeudi (Thursday) we made foray to the Art Deco (AD) Musee branch of the Louvres for the AD 100th anniversary exhibit featuring copious display of authentic gowns, jewelry, furnishings representing the unique design and style of the era. We were near The Ritz Hotel just as time for an aperitif approached. It was drizzling so we hailed a cab and driven to the entrance where the doorman greeted us like royalty. I had not been there for many years and the hotel ever elegant. We reminisced about Princess Diana while we enjoyed gin and tonics and some nibbles including cashews seasoned with fresh rosemary, tres bien, and chatted with some guests from Halifax, Canada.
It was my belated b’day (I’m a Gemini) dinner night and we dressed up and had drinks in the club lounge and then to celebration dinner in famed Maxim’s. To my chagrin it turned out that as the song from The Merry Widow declares, not all the girls our dreams and we departed after the starter course (Janice did enjoy the mushroom tart). It was my choice for dining, albeit disappointing, and had I known it was such a “tourist trap” would have opted for another restaurant. So next time it’s back to La Tour D’Argent (c. 1592 – oldest known restaurant in the world). C’est la guerre as the French say. Though I try not to be pejorative I did relay to our Concierge to warn their guests. We salvaged the evening enjoying a drink in the mahogany paneled bar and then bon nuit as our exit was the next morning.
Have your own grand cinema experience by viewing some of all of the movies I’ve written about and the list of more to seek out. And remember “Paris is always a good idea….”
A few movies to view that compliment our itinerary and more listed at the end that will be part of “At The Movies….” for “fevrier” (February) 2026 the month of love.
Enjoy a glass of wine or your beverage of choice and tune in for some evocative films.
How To Steal A Million (USA/France, World Wide Productions, 1966, 123 min., dir. William Wyler) Considering the recent “heist” at the Louvre in Paris this movie set in Paris is relevant. Well known art collector wealthy Charles Bonnet (Hugh Griffith) is also master “forger”. His daughter Nicole (Audrey Hepburn) wants him to stop fearing he’ll be caught, especially concerned about his loaning his Cellini Venus statue to the Kléber-Lafayette Museum and the new technology that can prove the statue is a fraud.
To save her father from being arrested Nicole decides to try to steal the statue from the museum. She contacts the only person she believes can help burglar Simon Dermott (Peter O’Toole) who she met when he broke into the Bonnet mansion to steal a Van Gogh painting. Instead of turning him to authorities she convinces Simon to help her steal the statue, without actually divulging the reason why. Complicating the scene American art collector Davis Leland (Eli Wallach) woos Nicole in effort to add many of Bonnet's treasures to his own collection, most specifically the Venus. The underlying romance of Nicole and Simon punctuates the witty comedy and quick pace; and Hepburn is lovely as ever in her favorite designer Givenchy couture. Writer’s Guild nod for “Best Written American Comedy.” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060522/awards/?ref_=tt_awd
Grand Hotel (USA, MGM, 1932, 112 min., dir. Edmund Goulding)
Though this “classic” film is set in Berlin, Germany, it’s the “grand” aspect of the guests, story, romance and intrigue that’s part of the “mise en scene” of a fabulous hotel like Le Grand Paris Intercontinental.” The cast of “stars is stunning: Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Wallace Beery, Joan Crawford, Lewis Stone. It’s much a vanity piece, however very entertaining.Academy Awardâ for Best Picture. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022958/?ref_=fn_t_3
Phantom Of The Opera (USA, Universal Pictures, 1943, 92 min., not rated, dir. Arthur Lubin).
By far the best of the many films that purport the “myth” of the mysterious tragic failed musician“Phantom” Erique Claudin (Claude Rains), in tour de force performance as the tragic character, living within the underpinnings of the famous opera house, and his obsession with aspiring soprano Christine DuBois (Susanna Foster) whose paramour Anatole Garron (Nelson Eddy) does his best to save his sweetheart. Four Academy Awardâ nominations, two wins. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036261/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_45
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (USA, RKO Radio Pictures, 1939, 116 min., dir. William Dieterle)
Of the many film versions inspired by the story conjured by Victor Hugo the 1939 is the most compelling and memorable thanks to the touching performance by Charles Laughton as ill fated hunchback Quasamodo, and his dedicated unrequited love for beautiful heroine Esmeralda (Maureen O’Hara). Supporting cast includes: Cedric Hardwick, Edmond O’Brien, Thomas Mitchell. Two Oscarâ nods. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031455/?ref_=fn_t_1
Something’s Gotta Give (USA, Columbia/Warner Bros., 2023, 128 min., PG12, dir. Nancy Meyers)
Music industry exec Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is aging (he’s 63) and typically has propensity for younger women like his current gal Marin Klein (Amanda Peet) young enough to be his daughter. They head to the Hamptons to Marin to home of Marin’s mother successful play write Erica Barry (Diane Keaton) believing she’s away. Erica and her sister Zoe (Frances McDormand) show up and they all dine together with much tension. Later Harry suffers a heart attack in a compromising circumstance and taken to hospital where he’s advised by physician Dr. Julian Mercer (Keanu Reeves) to stay local for a few days so he returns to Erica’s home. Things become complicated. The doctor who is a fan of the play write falls for Erica, who reciprocates, however she has feelings for Harry. Her daughter is decides to break it off with the older man. Oscar nodâ for Best Actress for Keaton. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337741/?ref_=fn_t_1
Sabrina (remake) (USA, Paramount, 1985, 127 min. PG dir. Sydney Pollack)
As a child growing up at the Larabee family’s Long Island estate the chauffeur’s daughter Sabrina Fairchild (Julia Ormond) spent much time invisibly perched in a tree observing the matriarch Maude Larrabee (Nancy Marchand), older son Linus (Harrison Ford) leader of the successful family corporate communications company; and handsome frivolous David (Greg Kennear) for whom she had an immense “crush” until she was sent off to Paris, France. After two years working for Vogue magazine, Sabrina returns to America a beautiful and sophisticated young woman, yet very demure and understated.
David now takes notice, and so does Linus. There’s a potential merger at stake that involves pending marriage for David, Linus scrumptiously attempts to squelch the potential romance of David and Sabrina, though all the time falling for her. Sabrina misses her Paris life, yet seems to intuitively understand Linus and his detached persona. life, revealing simple wisdom and insight: It’s a romantic journey with reward for all in the end; and “Paris is always a good idea.” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114319/?ref_=fn_knf_1
(here’s link for the 1954 original starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, William Holden dir. by Billy Wilder) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047437/?ref_=nm_knf_t_3
More films to consider – set in or features scenes of Paris - IMDB links - watch for more in February 2026
Citizen Kane (1941) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033467/?ref_=fn_knf_1
Casablanca (1941) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/?ref_=fn_t_1
Joan of Paris (WWII)
The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047162/?ref_=fn_t_1)
Funny Face (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050419/?ref_=fn_t_1)
Can Can (1960) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053690/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_accord_2_cdt_t_68
Gigi (1958) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001989/?ref_=fn_t_1
Charade (1963) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056923/?ref_=fn_t_1)
The Last Metro (1980) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080610/?ref_=fn_t_1)
French Kiss (1995) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113117/?ref_=fn_t_1
Forget Paris (1995) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113097/?ref_=fn_t_1
More about:
Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/paris/parhb/hoteldetail
Palais Garnier https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier
Cathedral de Notre Dame https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/
La Grand Colbert https://www.legrandcolbert.fr/en/
La Cinematheque francaise https://www.cinematheque.fr/
Batteaux Mouche https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en
Restoration Hardware (RH brand) https://rh.com/us/en/paris
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020