THE LAST TIME I SAW PARIS (1954)

THE LAST TIME I SAW PARIS (1954) Charles (Van Johnson), a reporter for The Stars and Stripes, enters Maurice's cafe, where he runs into his friend, Claude Matine, and is introduced to Marion (Donna Reed). Charles, is instantly attracted to Marion's sister Helen (Elisabeth Taylor), but really does not know what to think of her.. Marion becomes jealous, and invites Charles to meet her later. Helen, also attracted to Charles, wants to stop their secret meeting, and shows up to meet Charles instead. When Helen becomes ill from being out in the cold, Charles runs to her side, and they become engaged. Helen wants to live in France, and Charles decides to find a job in Paris. Marion, still in love with Charles, becomes engaged to Claude. Charles and Helen soon marry, and have a little girl. Charles is becoming frustrated over his dreams of a novelist not coming true, and worried about Helen's spending habits. Charles, gets an important assignment to interview Lorraine Quarl (Eva Gabor), who vacationing in Paris after her divorce. The interview last through the night, and Charles, does not get home until the next morning. Helen does not seem to care, Charles becomes concerned that they seem to be drifting apart.

Marion calls to let them know that one of James investments, has paid off. They all celebrate and Charles quits his job so he can concentrate on his dream of becoming a writer. Unfortunately, Charles third novel is also rejected.

James invites Paul Lane (Rodger Moore), a playboy to attend a party with them. At the party, Paul is attracted to Helen, and Charles runs into Lorraine, who is now divorcing another husband. Helen wants to go home, but Charles had made other plans to take Lorraine for a drive. The next day, Helen is angry with Charles, and tells him that she wants to go back to America, but Charles refuses. He invites Lorraine to Monte Carlo to compete in a car race with him. When they return to Paris, they see Helen and Paul at Maurice's cafe. Later Paul tells Helen that he is in love with her. Helen tells him that she does not want a divorce from her husband, but would be interested in an affair with him.. Helen walks home, but is unable to get into the house because Charles has locked the door . Helen with no where else to go, walks through the snow to her sister's house, by this time she is very ill.
Will they be able to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives?
http://www.archive.org/details/cco2_TheLastTimeISawParis

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I really enjoyed the chemistry between Elizabeth Taylor and Van Johnson. This is not just a fluffy romance, but an outstanding drama. I think it is my favorite performance given by Van Johnson.