#47 - Gigi

Directed by Vincente Minnelli
1958 Musical
Rated G

**** 1/2

Over the years, this 1958 Best Picture winner has somehow gained a reputation as being one of the weakest to win that award; this couldn't be further from the truth. Musicals of the 50s and 60s were so popular for three reasons; lavish production values, brilliant songs, and mindblowing dance numbers. From the great writing in the songs ("The Night They Invented Champagne" and "I Remember It Well" are two standouts) to the clever script, Gigi shows that a musical could get by with wit, as well. Add to that great performances from Leslie Caron (who makes up with the fact that her voice was dubbed in with her performance), Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jordan, and you have one of the most enjoyable musicals of all time.