The Gay Parisian (1941)/ Forty Boys and a Song (1941)

The Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo interprets the story of The Gay Parisian, about a visiting Peruvian falls in love with a dancer who is already in love with a baron, through dance. It’s rather chaotic with many people on the set dancing at once, which made me glad for the introductions to all the main characters before the start. The costumes and set are beautifully expansive as a result.

In 1934 Robert Mitchell established a special school for young boys that forms the choir shown in Forty Boys and a Song. The film features scenes with the boys in class and on a camping trip, all as a showcase for the singing talents of the choir. I like little behind the scenes shorts on Hollywood such as this. The choir performed in over 100 feature films over the years, including the Best Picture winner Going My Way. 

Oscar Nominations: Best Short Subject, Two-reel (The Gay Parisian); Best Short Subject, One-reel (Forty Boys and a Song)