QUICK FACTS
Created Jan 0001
Status Verified Sarcastic
Type Existential Dread
Keywords
french, paris, sacha guitry, guitry, gaumont

If Paris Were Told To Us

“*Si Paris nous était conté* (original French title, translating to 'If Paris Were Told to Us'), is a cinematic endeavor from 1956 that attempts nothing less...”

Contents
  • 1. Overview
  • 2. Etymology
  • 3. Cultural Impact

If Paris Were Told to Us (1956 film)

Si Paris nous était conté (original French title, translating to “If Paris Were Told to Us”), is a cinematic endeavor from 1956 that attempts nothing less than a grand historical tapestry of the French capital. Directed and penned by the inimitable, and some might say, relentlessly prolific, Sacha Guitry , this film invites audiences to witness the sprawling chronicle of Paris from its nascent beginnings through centuries of transformation. It’s a bold undertaking, even for Guitry , to condense such a monumental history into a single feature, and one that only he, with his particular brand of theatrical flair and historical obsession, would even attempt.

The film serves as a sprawling historical fresco, charting the evolution of the city that has, for better or worse, become synonymous with French identity itself. Released on January 27, 1956, If Paris Were Told to Us garnered a substantial audience in its home country, attracting 2,813,682 admissions in France alone. This figure speaks to the enduring fascination with the city and, perhaps more acutely, with Guitry ’s unique narrative voice.

Production and Release

Si Paris nous était conté was a significant production for its time, with a budget reportedly reaching $3 million. This substantial sum allowed for the elaborate period recreations and the assembly of a truly star-studded cast, a hallmark of Guitry ’s later historical epics. The film was a collaborative effort between several production companies, including Courts et Longs Métrages (C.L.M.), F.L.F., and the venerable Société Nouvelle des Établissements Gaumont (SNEG). Distribution was handled by Société des Etablissements L. Gaumont, ensuring a wide release across France.

The directorial reins, as well as the pen that shaped the narrative, belonged entirely to Sacha Guitry , a figure who often preferred to be the sole architect of his cinematic visions. The film’s visual language was crafted by cinematographer Philippe Agostini , whose work brought the historical epochs to life with a suitable grandeur. Editing duties were meticulously performed by Paulette Robert, tasked with weaving together centuries of history into a coherent, flowing narrative. The musical score, an essential component for any historical epic, was composed by Jean Françaix , providing an auditory backdrop that aimed to evoke the spirit of each depicted era.

The film premiered on January 27, 1956, captivating audiences for its extensive running time of 130 minutes. Its reception in France, as evidenced by its robust box office performance of 2,813,682 admissions, underscored the enduring appeal of both Paris and Sacha Guitry ’s distinctive approach to storytelling.

Summary

If Paris Were Told to Us is not merely a historical film; it is Sacha Guitry ’s personal, often idiosyncratic, journey through the annals of the French capital. From the very founding of the city, shrouded in the mists of antiquity, to the pivotal events that irrevocably shaped its character, the film endeavors to capture the essence of Paris across millennia.

The entire sprawling narrative is, quite fittingly, narrated by Guitry himself, imbuing the historical account with his characteristic wit, erudition, and a certain theatrical grandiosity. He guides the audience through a selective, yet remarkably ambitious, panorama of French history, focusing on the historical figures whose lives and decisions left an indelible mark on the city. The film moves with a relentless pace, traversing centuries as it brings to life figures ranging from the pragmatic and often beleaguered King Charles VII , who reigned during the tumultuous Hundred Years’ War, to the ill-fated King Henry III , whose assassination in 1589 plunged France into further chaos during the Wars of Religion.

Beyond the shifting fortunes of monarchs, Guitry ’s narrative also highlights monumental cultural and architectural milestones. The revolutionary advent of printing, a technology that democratized knowledge and forever changed the intellectual landscape of Paris and beyond, is explored for its profound impact. Similarly, the film traces the architectural evolution of the city, including the construction of the magnificent Louvre Palace , which began as a medieval fortress and transformed into one of the world’s most iconic museums and royal residences. Through these interwoven threads of personal drama, political intrigue, and cultural innovation, If Paris Were Told to Us endeavors to illustrate, with Guitry ’s unique flourish, how the French capital truly came to be the iconic global city it remains. It’s an ambitious claim, of course, to fully encapsulate such a storied past, but Guitry certainly makes a compelling, if theatrical, attempt.

Principal Cast

The film boasts an impressive ensemble of French cinematic talent, a testament to Sacha Guitry ’s drawing power and the prestige associated with a project of this scale. Each actor, often portraying multiple historical figures, contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Parisian history.