The film, a dissection of a doomed marriage, deals with some grim issues, such as depression, alcoholism, and – at the risk of sounding glib – writer’s block.
Van Johnson plays an American journalist working in Paris during the 1944 Liberation, a jet-fuelled time of elation where, according to the movie, young women kiss every man in sight. This is where Johnson meets Elizabeth Taylor, an American ex-pat freshly expelled from university.
He’s immediately smitten, and who could blame him? Taylor’s free-spirited character is the most beautiful person in the film.
She lives with her unconventional father (Walter Pidgeon, who has the best lines here), and her older sister (Donna Reed), who’s secretly in love with Johnson.
Although Taylor proves she can seduce any man she wants, she falls in love with Johnson, and they begin a relationship that isn’t what either of them expected. Taylor’s character seems to have one foot outside of the marriage, and Johnson, Gritting His Teeth, accepts it until he can’t.
In addition to being a frustrated journalist, Johnson is also a frustrated novelist, always working on manuscripts that will be rejected by publishers.
Sounds like peak Fitzgerald, doesn’t it?
Doing battle with sister-in-law Donna Reed. Image: IMDb
The Last Time I Saw Paris is one of those soapy 1950s melodramas that take place in an exotic locale. Filmmakers included actual street footage of Paris, and the luxe set design makes interior shots feel Parisian.
Despite the aesthetics, the film nearly collapses on itself due to its heavy themes. Not even screenwriters Julius and Philip Epstein could infuse the film with enough cheekiness to keep it aloft. (However, we love the scene where Pidgeon lays on the sofa, drinking to the engagement of both his daughters. “A father abandoned in middle age,” he says. “What man could ask for more?”)
Some critics say Johnson didn’t have the Acting Chops for the lead. We disagree. In some ways, the screenplay seems to be written for Johnson and his brand of charm.
For example, watch Johnson’s face when his editor tells him – in front of his colleagues – that Taylor has been arrested for jumping into a fountain. In a brief few seconds, he gives us striken emotions including shock, embarrassment, and anger. But he smothers it with a Van Johnson smile and quips, “That’s my girl!”
It’s a good thing this film has a fabulous cast, because each actor must carry his/her share of the weight to keep the thing from dragging on the ground.
The Last Time I Saw Paris netted a nice profit of $980,000 US (approx. $9.9M US today).
It’s a notable film for a few reasons. It was Van Johnson’s final film for MGM, and it would be the last film, ever, for screenwriter Julius Epstein, who died before it was released.
Also, it’s said there’s a mistake in the copyright date. The Roman numerals at the beginning of the film apparently read 1944, instead of 1954, which means the copyright expired 10 years early. Our version of the film is too blurry to verify, but a failure to renew the copyright – whatever the reason – would explain why there are so many poor copies on DVD and YouTube.
Some critics – then and now – have complained about the film, such as the New York Times Bosley Crowther. “The story is trite,” he wrote. “The motivations are thin. The writing is glossy and pedestrian. The acting is pretty much forced.” (Let it out, Bosley. Let it all out.)
Is the The Last Time I Saw Paris a worthwhile film? We think so, as long as you know you’re in for the long haul of a Doomed Relationship.
The Last Time I Saw Paris starring Elizabeth Taylor, Van Johnson, Walter Pidgeon. Directed by Richard Brooks. Written by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Richard Brooks. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1954, Technicolor, 116 mins.
I can’t recall when I watched The Last Time I Saw Paris from beginning to end. I am only certain it wasn’t in this century. However, when I come across it, I always sit for a while and check in on the rich people problems and wish I could suffer in Technicolor (or at least a soft focus lens).
I always thought it was interesting that MGM named the movie about a 1941 Oscar-winning song. I think the supporting cast–with Eva Gabor and Roger Moore–is more interesting than the stars!
I admit I have to be in the mood for a soapy melodrama, but when I am, nothing else will do. It’s been a while since I’ve seen A Summer Place – will have to look for it soon.
Well, if you think it’s worth it….I haven’t seen this one and that surprises me, because I always like him. Thank you for writing about this for us. I’m gonna get to this sooner rather than later, for sure. (Bosley needs to lighten up, geez!)
Liz is quite attractive here, I must say — despite the fact that I’m a bigger fan of Donna Reed, who looks relatively dowdy by comparison — at least here! She’s a real beauty, though, in most other roles.
Donna Reed has severe makeup in this film, which tones down her natural beauty. I don’t mean severe as in too much, but it makes her look hardened, which is her character. Besides, Elizabeth Taylor HAD to be the most beautiful person here.
I have to admit I haven’t revisited this film since I first watched it many years ago, when the only cast member I knew was Elizabeth Taylor. I just remember being depressed by the plot, plus it was hard finding a copy that was of good quality. I really feel like I need to rewatch it, though, after reading your thoughts, especially now that I know and can better appreciate the people who made it.
Like you said, finding a good copy is tough, which doesn’t really help matters, but it would be interesting to compare your thoughts on the film – then and now.
Thanks for hosting this tribute to Van. I discovered a lot of “new” movies to watch!
I watched this film many years ago, and I remember not liking Van Johnson very much in it. With time I learned to appreciate Johnson, and I hope I can revisit the movie and pay special attention to the scene you mentioned. Great review, as always.
Greetings!
I have had a cheap copy of this laying around for years now, but it’s never really been all that intriguing. Your review has made me curious, though. 🙂
It’s a good film. Lovely cast (in my opinion, Dona Reed steals the film), wonderful music and cinematography (I’ve seen a restored copy of the film and it’s a beauty).
I saw it on TCM (Turner Classic Movies) and the (HD) print they showed was gorgeous! My eyes were so used to the faded colors of bootleg copies that it was really something seeing the movie look so good!
Silver Screenings 
I can’t recall when I watched The Last Time I Saw Paris from beginning to end. I am only certain it wasn’t in this century. However, when I come across it, I always sit for a while and check in on the rich people problems and wish I could suffer in Technicolor (or at least a soft focus lens).
PS: You give it to that Bosley guy. What a grump!
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Haha! Like you, I love basking in Technicolor problems of the wealthy. They have such gorgeous sets and wardrobes.
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I always thought it was interesting that MGM named the movie about a 1941 Oscar-winning song. I think the supporting cast–with Eva Gabor and Roger Moore–is more interesting than the stars!
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Agreed! This film needs more of Roger Moore and Eva Gabor. Brilliant casting choices.
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I do love a soapy melodrama after the delights of A Summer Place, so after your fabulous review going to have to check this one out.
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I admit I have to be in the mood for a soapy melodrama, but when I am, nothing else will do. It’s been a while since I’ve seen A Summer Place – will have to look for it soon.
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Well, if you think it’s worth it….I haven’t seen this one and that surprises me, because I always like him. Thank you for writing about this for us. I’m gonna get to this sooner rather than later, for sure. (Bosley needs to lighten up, geez!)
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Haha! You said it about poor ol’ Bolsey Crowther. I wonder if he even LIKED movies?
I think this movie is worth it if you know what you’re in for. Having bonbons nearby is recommended.
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Oh I’m on that!😉
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Liz is quite attractive here, I must say — despite the fact that I’m a bigger fan of Donna Reed, who looks relatively dowdy by comparison — at least here! She’s a real beauty, though, in most other roles.
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Donna Reed has severe makeup in this film, which tones down her natural beauty. I don’t mean severe as in too much, but it makes her look hardened, which is her character. Besides, Elizabeth Taylor HAD to be the most beautiful person here.
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I’m sure it was in Liz’s contract! 😁
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Bahaha!
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Definitely Fitzgerald from your description! But gosh, wasn’t Taylor gloriously gorgeous?!
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She is radiant and almost ethereal here. Truly stunning.
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I have to admit I haven’t revisited this film since I first watched it many years ago, when the only cast member I knew was Elizabeth Taylor. I just remember being depressed by the plot, plus it was hard finding a copy that was of good quality. I really feel like I need to rewatch it, though, after reading your thoughts, especially now that I know and can better appreciate the people who made it.
Thanks for contributing to my event!
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Like you said, finding a good copy is tough, which doesn’t really help matters, but it would be interesting to compare your thoughts on the film – then and now.
Thanks for hosting this tribute to Van. I discovered a lot of “new” movies to watch!
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I watched this film many years ago, and I remember not liking Van Johnson very much in it. With time I learned to appreciate Johnson, and I hope I can revisit the movie and pay special attention to the scene you mentioned. Great review, as always.
Greetings!
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At first I thought Johnson and Taylor were an odd pair, but they
grew on me. Like you, I learned to appreciate this film over the years.
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I have had a cheap copy of this laying around for years now, but it’s never really been all that intriguing. Your review has made me curious, though. 🙂
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Same here – I had a cheap copy & avoided it because it seemed too melodramatic. But it does have more merit than I thought.
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Cool, good to know. 🙂
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It’s a good film. Lovely cast (in my opinion, Dona Reed steals the film), wonderful music and cinematography (I’ve seen a restored copy of the film and it’s a beauty).
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Oh wow, a restored copy would be gorgeous. Did you see it in a theatre, perchance?
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I saw it on TCM (Turner Classic Movies) and the (HD) print they showed was gorgeous! My eyes were so used to the faded colors of bootleg copies that it was really something seeing the movie look so good!
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