A Scandal in Paris

Velvet-voiced, caddish gentleman crook? This kind of role fits George Sanders like a glove and while the pacing is somewhat off, his charm keeps things moving nicely.

The most elegant crime story done in the most pure George Sanders fashion. Costume drama setting, slick manipulation and a bunch of dubious people. Lovely playful interactions with some fine touches in the production as well. George Sanders master class.

Nothing particular that stands out in this unmemorable lightweight period piece although it is fairly easy on the eye.

Like an unlikeable, more urban, less funny Barry Lyndon, George Sanders plays a supposedly charming thief who ironically becomes the Chief of Police.

Sanders is an unabashed rogue who masquerades his way up to the position of Paris police chief, and director Sirk surrounds this tale of pretence with images of artificiality: disguises, silhouettes, a painter and his models, carousel animals, a clothed monkey. Tamiroff is surprisingly subtle, Carole Landis is brash, brittle and lovely, and even Gene Lockhart's cuckold is allowed a moment of tragic dignity. Sanders' elegant narration holds it together: witty, unflappable, slightly bored.

Poorly written and acted, with George Sanders playing a plainly unlikable character. The only compliment I can pay this is for its elegant visuals.