Idol of Paris


Idol of Paris is a 1948 film based on the novel Paiva, Queen of Love by Alfred Schirokauer, about a mid-19th century French courtesan Theresa who sleeps her way from poverty to the top of Second Empire society. It was an attempt by its makers to imitate the success of the Gainsborough melodramas.

Cast

The film was produced by Maurice Ostrer who moved into independent production after leaving Gainsborough Pictures. He set up his own company, Premier Productions, and made the film in association with R.J. Minney and Leslie Arliss who had all collaborated on The Wicked Lady.
Filing started in August 1947. It was shot at MGM's British studios.
The cast includes Australian Patti Morgan, who Ostrer put under a seven year contract.

Reception

Critical

Reviews were very bad.
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote that "the film is over-exaggerated in every detail and will appeal only to the very unsophisticated."
Variety said Ostrer "forgot that recent successful mellers leaned on stars for clicks with this 'first independent production. He boasts that the team that made his "Wicked Lady" has turned out this picture, but he has no James Mason and no Margaret LockwQod to carry the burden of an ill- written, corny script., Instead,
he has comparative newcomers, who unfortunately do not merit leads in an ambitious picture. Ita boxoffice prospects are dim. It would be a waste to export it to America."

Box Office

The movie was not a financial success and led to Maurice Ostrer quitting the film business for good. He cancelled plans to make a film Wild Marriage and dropped eight artists who he had under contract.
The careers of Leslie Arliss and Beryl Baxter never recovered either.