A Scandal in Paris (1946)

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(380 ratings)

A Scandal in Paris is a liberal adaptation of the life story of Eugène François Vidocq, who was French prefect of police during the Napoleonic era. George Sanders stars as Vidocq, who spends most of the film as an aimless rogue willing to lie, cheat, and steal for his own comfort. The women who… More A Scandal in Paris is a liberal adaptation of the life story of Eugène François Vidocq, who was French prefect of police during the Napoleonic era. George Sanders stars as Vidocq, who spends most of the film as an aimless rogue willing to lie, cheat, and steal for his own comfort. The women who affect Vidocq's life include a saucy cabaret entertainer (Carole Landis) for whom Vidocq steals, and a good woman (Signe Hasso) for whom he straightens himself out. Fledgling director Douglas Sirk displayed his love of the Baroque (both in decor and characterizations) that would distinguish his later high-budget Universal soap operas. Most prints of A Scandal in Paris bear the film's alternate title, Thieves' Holiday. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Douglas Sirk
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 19, 1946 Wide
On DVD: Jul 22, 2003

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Never gets to the comic effects it reaches for.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
The sound mix is more predictably dated, with that vintage tinny hollowness. Luckily, most of the dialogue is completely audible.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
It's probably safe to say that the earnest A Scandal in Paris won't ever approach the level of acceptance accorded to All That Heaven Allows and Imitation of Life.