Watch April in Paris

April in Paris is a delightful 1952 musical film starring Doris Day and Ray Bolger. The film tells the story of a young and charming American secretary, Ethel "Dynamite" Jackson (Doris Day), who is sent by her boss to Paris on a business trip, with the ulterior motive of fixing her up with a Frenchman. Upon her arrival in Paris, Ethel meets S. Winthrop Putnam (Ray Bolger), an eccentric and comical diplomat, who mistakes her for the famous singer he's been sent to Paris to accompany. The two of them then embark on a whirlwind tour of Paris, with many song-and-dance numbers, and hilarious moments along the way.

The plot of April in Paris is a classic romantic comedy formula, with its central premise being the odd couple pairing of Ethel and Winthrop, who are basically opposite personalities. Ethel is a sassy, confident American girl who knows what she wants, while Winthrop is a reserved and more traditional gentleman who is initially intimidated by Ethel's boldness. Through their adventures in Paris, the two of them slowly start to get to know each other and despite their differences, it becomes clear that they are falling in love.

The musical numbers in April in Paris are plentiful and wonderfully choreographed, showcasing the talents of its stars Doris Day and Ray Bolger. Every song is catchy and well-crafted, with some standout numbers including the title track "April in Paris," as well as "That's What Makes Paris Paree" and "It Must Be Good".

Aside from the wonderful musical numbers and the charming lead performances from Day and Bolger, April in Paris also boasts stunning locations and beautiful art direction that fully immerses the audience in the magic of Paris. The film takes the viewer to well-known landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, as well as picturesque cafes and markets throughout the city. The cinematography is lush and colorful, capturing the beauty of Paris with great care.

The supporting performances in April in Paris are also fantastic, with Claude Dauphin giving a memorable turn as Philippe Fouquet, a Frenchman who becomes infatuated with Ethel. His suave and seductive demeanor is the perfect foil to the clumsy and bumbling Winthrop.

Overall, April in Paris is a joyous and entertaining film that showcases Doris Day and Ray Bolger at the top of their game. The film captures the magic of Paris, while delivering catchy tunes, delightful humor, and a charming romance that is sure to leave viewers with a smile on their face.

April in Paris is a 1952 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.