Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Leslie Caron, Louis Jourdan, Hermione Gingold, Maurice Chevalier
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli

Synopsis: A rich, lush musical set in turn of the century Paris follows the story of a young girl named Gigi (Leslie Caron) who befriends a society playboy named Gaston (Louis Jourdan.)  Their friendship evolves into something more as Gigi comes of age, but the expectations put upon them by society and Gigi’s guardians may end up tearing them apart.

Featured Feline: Although the Maine Coon cat seen in this film plays no direct part upon the proceedings (and doesn’t even have a name mentioned), it is seen so often we simply must give it a Featured Feline status.  The cat lives in Gigi’s home where she lives with her grandmother, Madame Alvarez (Hermione Gingold) and is usually seen sitting in one of the chairs in their parlour.

Whenever Gaston comes to visit, either Gigi or Madame Alvarez moves the cat to another chair.  Later the cat is seen lying on Gigi’s bed as she pets it.

And finally Gigi is in her room as she sings the song “Say a Prayer for Me Tonight” to the cat while awaiting her big date with Gaston.

Kitty Carnage Warning! The cat appears to be extremely relaxed in the film and there may be a reason for that.  According to one report the cat reacted violently every time Leslie Caron was near it, but director Vincente Minelli wanted to use that particular cat, so they actually drugged the poor animal during its scenes.

Final Mewsings: Thank heaven for kitty cats!

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