I saw this after having already seen the 1949 non-musical film of the same name, which I disliked (5/10).

I liked this one slightly more, but not enough to recommend it. I remain stunned that this actually won any award for its year.

Two differences between the 1949 and 1958 versions: (1) The 1949 version makes it very clear what is going on, and I prefer the honesty of that version, if nothing else. The child is entirely dependent on grandmother, who is intent on turning her into a whore for rich men who like adolescent girls. I don't recall exactly, but I doubt it ended with a marriage. In 1958, it's not entirely clear until late in the film that the adults in Gigi's life are grooming her to be a teen mistress, and the grandmother seems to have doubts. (2) The subject matter in 1958 is pushed to the back with happy-sounding songs, over-saturated colour, and a ridiculous happy ending marriage. Frankly, audiences of this sort of film don't seem to care at all about plot, as long as there's a faux-happy ending and some razzle dazzle.

Regarding the ending, keep in mind that Gigi is marrying a man-slut, who is almost certainly going to cheat on her in a few months (as Honoré says) when he gets bored and finds someone younger.

"Thank Heaven for Little Girls" is just creepy, and it's not the only song about old men lusting after teenage girls in the film. In the discussion area people describe this character as sweet and grandfatherly, ignoring the obvious truth that these are exactly the men who are likely to commit abuse, because they can get away with it. Did the last 20 years happen, or did I just imagine it? I thought we learned this. And by the way, how many grandchildren does this man have, and by how many women? Do his grandchildren even know him?

The "Say A Prayer For Me Tonight" scene reminded me of "The Boondocks" Hunger Strike episode where the BET CEO has what appears to be a dead cat in her arms (meant to be a spoof of Dr. Evil and Mr. Bigglesworth, but unintentionally also spoofs Gigi and her cat) I found most of the songs lacklustre and dull and instantly forgettable. And for a musical, there was too much talking, not enough music.

I have not seen many films from 1958, and most of them were at least as bad as this one. But I would recommend The Defiant Ones over this.

The art decoration and sumptuous costuming designed by Cecil Beaton are truly striking in every respect. The storyline what there is of it is rather weak. The presentation is reminiscent of "My Fair Lady" but lacking in a good story is not half as great.

Maurice Chevalier as Gaston's Uncle Honore steals the show and gives the best performance due mainly to his special French charm and charisma. He lifts every scene. His singing of "Thank Heaven for little girls" sets the spirit of the film as he advises Gaston on the importance of enjoying life. The main ingredients appear to be Paris, Springtime and girls, preferably young ones.

Gigi (Leslie Caron) is taught the social graces and niceties of life by her grandmama and friends such as how to drink a glass of wine and how to choose a good cigar. These scenes I found not particularly funny. Perhaps it was unconvincing because the actor was trying to be very naive and young and inexperienced. Louis Jordan as Gaston the bored millionaire playboy was OK in a romantic role which was relatively undemanding. I particularly liked his rendition of the song "Gigi" when his attitude to life is suddenly changed. "Gigi" happens to be my favourite tune in the whole film.

Paris life is captured in glorious technicolour. Note that it is devoid of all shabbiness and poverty. The film opens near the Bois de Boulogne in 1900 and wanders amongst the skating rink and places of great entertainment where money seems to be the least of their worries. This is escapism de luxe.

Not a great film but quite pleasant to watch. I'll be singing "Gigi" a long time after the film has been forgotten.

Although MGM and other studios would continue in the genre for several more years, GIGI is the last great musical of Hollywood's golden age. It is also one of the few titles consistently mentioned when critics dispute which film should be considered the single finest musical ever created by Hollywood, a film that rivals the likes of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.

Based on a novella by Colette, GIGI tells the story of a French family of the belle epoch--a family, it seems, of women who have made their living from the favors of famous men. Still something of a gawky schoolgirl, Gigi (Leslie Caron) is being trained to become a courtesan, and when she suddenly blossoms she captures the heart of Paris sophisticate Gaston Lachaille (Louis Jourdan.) But much to her family's horror, when the arrangements are completed Gigi suddenly declines! The cast is absolutely flawless. Caron was born to play Gigi, and is as charming as the awkward youth as she is as the suddenly beautiful young woman; Jordan's appeal as the worldly and world weary Gaston is tremendous. But the real joy of the cast is in its supporting cast, which includes Maurice Chevalier as Gaston's uncle; Hermione Gingold and Isabel Jeans as Gigi's grandmother and great aunt; and Eva Gabor as Gaston's current mistress. Chevalier and Gingold play their roles with precisely the right mixture of charm and severity, and their duet "I Remember It Well" is among the highlights of the film, while Jeans and Gabor give such great comic turns that their small roles become as memorable as the leads.

The Learner & Lowe score is equal their great Broadway success MY FAIR LADY, and offers such enjoyable and memorable songs as "Gigi" and "The Night They Invented Champagne;" the script equals and merges with the music to considerable effect. Filmed largely on location in Paris, the look of the film is incredibly rich, and director Vincent Minnelli maintains a sprightly sense of humor with just enough darkness behind the bubbles to make us aware of the seriousness of the tale. Mixing intimacy with tremendous surface splash, GIGI is a cultural treasure, a film to enjoy and cherish forever and certainly a worthy contender for that disputed title of "Hollywood's finest musical." A personal favorite and highly, highly recommended.

Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer