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Romantic drama

Paris Blues (1961): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Paris Blues (1961) movie poster

Paris Blues is a 1961 romantic drama directed by Martin Ritt, starring Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier and Joanne Woodward. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 69% on Rotten Tomatoes and 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
69%
award nomination
1
Metascore
61
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Paris Blues (1961) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Martin Ritt
Genres
Drama , Romance , Music
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Paris Blues About?

The premise of Paris Blues without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In Paris, jazz musicians Ram Bowen and Eddie Cook find refuge from difficult times, immersing themselves in the vibrant Parisian nightlife. Their dedication to music is tested when they become romantically involved with two American women visiting the city. As their feelings deepen, the expatriates face a difficult choice between maintaining their artistic principles and pursuing love and connection in a foreign land, exploring themes of art, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.

Paris Blues Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • jazz musician
  • jazz music
  • american abroad
  • paris france
  • based on novel
  • bare chested male
  • two word title
  • city in title
  • interracial relationship
  • color in title
  • jazz club
  • older woman younger man relationship
+38 more
  • musician as protagonist
  • train station
  • hotel
  • scene during opening credits
  • dating
  • rehearsal
  • composing music
  • love triangle
  • hipster
  • bridge
  • sheet music
  • best friend
  • racial issues
  • female singer
  • guitar player
  • jazz guitarist
  • birdcage
  • street market
  • flower market
  • spanish guitar
  • drug addiction
  • cameo appearance
  • billboard
  • party
  • river boat
  • cocaine addiction
  • talking while walking
  • newman and woodward
  • ritt and newman
  • american
  • love
  • 1960s
  • tourist
  • expatriate
  • famous score
  • black american
  • falling in love
  • sexual liberation
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Cast & crew

Paris Blues Cast

Paul Newman leads the cast, with Sidney Poitier and Joanne Woodward. Directed by Martin Ritt; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Martin Ritt

More films directed by Martin Ritt, best-rated first: Sounder, Hombre, Norma Rae and Hud.

Full filmography
Ratings

Paris Blues Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Paris Blues 69% on Rotten Tomatoes and 61 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

Plot

Paris Blues Plot Summary

What happens in Paris Blues from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

On his journey to meet Wild Man Moore at the train station, jazz musician Ram Bowen, who resides in Paris, crosses paths with a newcomer named Connie Lampson. Despite her initial disinterest, her friend Lillian persuades Connie to attend his performance that night at Club 33. After captivating the audience alongside fellow expatriate Eddie, the four of them leave the club in the early hours of the morning. A suggestion from Ram to share a private breakfast with Connie leads to her feeling offended, igniting Ram’s anger at her rejection.

Full summary

The whole story of Paris Blues, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Awards

Paris Blues Awards & Nominations

Paris Blues was nominated for 1 Oscar.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Paris Blues Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Paris Blues.

Paris Blues (1961) Trailer - out now on BFI DVD & Blu-ray | BFI
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Paris Blues?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the charismatic jazz musician in 'Paris Blues'?

Cars

Cars in Paris Blues

23 cars on screen, including the 1954 Peugeot 203 and the ACMA Vespa 125.

All 23 cars
  • 1954 Peugeot 203 in Paris Blues 1954 Peugeot 203 Minor role
  • ACMA Vespa 125 in Paris Blues ACMA Vespa 125 Background role
  • 1960 ACMA Vespa 400 in Paris Blues 1960 ACMA Vespa 400 Background role
  • 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite in Paris Blues 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite Background role
Details

Paris Blues Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “Un día volveré” and “Párizs blues”.

Also known as
  • Un día volveré
  • Párizs blues
  • Paris Vive à Noite
  • Паризький Блюз
  • Парижки блус
  • Парижский блюз
  • 巴黎狂恋
  • Pařížské blues
  • 파리 블루스, პარიზული ბლუზი
  • אינטרמצו בפריז

Seen Paris Blues?

FAQ

Paris Blues FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Paris Blues, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Paris Blues?

Paris Blues runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Paris Blues released?

Paris Blues was released on September 27, 1961.

Who directed Paris Blues?

Paris Blues was directed by Martin Ritt.

More films by Martin Ritt

Who is in the cast of Paris Blues?

Paris Blues stars Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier and Joanne Woodward, among 10 credited actors.

How is Paris Blues rated?

Paris Blues has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, 61 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Was Paris Blues nominated for any awards?

Paris Blues received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Paris Blues have a post-credit scene?

No. Paris Blues has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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