Tales of Paris (1962)
A sparkling French anthology of four witty sketches about Parisian women, love, and desire — featuring a remarkable early cast.
Tales of Paris - Movie Information
- Original Title: Les Parisiennes
- Release Year: 1962
- Directed by: Michel Boisrond, Jacques Poitrenaud et al.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 17, 1962 (France), April 21, 1962 (Germany), March 21, 1963 (Mexico)
- Alternative Titles: Tales of Paris (US)
- Production Companies: Francos Films, Incei Film
- Production Countries: France, Italy
Tales of Paris - Plot
A film made up of four sketches. In Marc Allégret's Sophie, a naive high-school girl invents a love affair with her mother's lover. But it's a guitarist with whom she falls in love. In Françoise, by Claude Barma, a young woman returning to France after living in the United States has an affair with her best friend's lover. In Antonia, by Michel Boisrond, a middle-aged woman tries to convince her ex-lover that she still has many assets to seduce. In Ella, by Jacques Poitrenaud, a Pigalle dancer meets a man in a cab.
Where to Watch Tales of Paris
Looking for where to watch Tales of Paris?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Tales of Paris - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Michel Boisrond
- Jacques Poitrenaud
- Marc Allégret
- Claude Barma
Main Cast
- Françoise Arnoul
- Françoise Brion
- Catherine Deneuve
- Gillian Hills
- Élina Labourdette
- Dany Robin
- Dany Saval
- Darry Cowl
- Johnny Hallyday
- Christian Marquand
Writers
- Jean-Loup Dabadie
- Annette Wademant
- Claude Brulé
- Roger Vadim
- Jacques Armand
Producers
- Francis Cosne
Tales of Paris - FAQs
What is Tales of Paris about?
Tales of Paris is a French anthology film made up of four short comedic and dramatic sketches, each following a different Parisian woman navigating romance and desire. From a naive schoolgirl's first crush to a cabaret dancer's chance encounter, the film paints a lively, affectionate portrait of love in 1960s Paris.
Is this one of Catherine Deneuve's earliest film roles?
Yes, Tales of Paris is among Catherine Deneuve's earliest screen appearances. She plays Sophie, a naive high-school girl who invents a romance with her mother's lover before falling for a young guitarist played by rock icon Johnny Hallyday — a memorable pairing that makes this sketch a genuine curiosity for fans of both stars.
Who are the main actors in Tales of Paris?
The film boasts a rich ensemble cast spread across its four segments. You'll see Françoise Arnoul, Catherine Deneuve, Dany Robin, and Dany Saval in the leading female roles, alongside Johnny Hallyday, Christian Marquand, Darry Cowl, and Paul Guers. Françoise Brion, Gillian Hills, and Élina Labourdette also appear in supporting parts.
Did Johnny Hallyday appear in Tales of Paris?
Absolutely. Johnny Hallyday, France's legendary rock and roll icon, appears in the Sophie segment as Jean Allard, a guitarist with whom the young Sophie falls genuinely in love. It's a charming early screen role for Hallyday, and his scenes alongside the equally young Catherine Deneuve give the film a special nostalgic appeal.
Who directed Tales of Paris?
Tales of Paris was a collaborative effort directed by four filmmakers, each handling one sketch. Marc Allégret directed Sophie, Claude Barma directed Françoise, Michel Boisrond took on Antonia, and Jacques Poitrenaud directed Ella. This multi-director anthology format was a popular format in French cinema of the early 1960s.
When was Tales of Paris released?
Tales of Paris had its original release in France on January 17, 1962. It subsequently opened in Germany on April 21, 1962, and reached Mexican audiences on March 21, 1963. The film was also released in the United States under the English title Tales of Paris.
What genre is Tales of Paris?
Tales of Paris blends Comedy and Drama across its four segments. Each sketch has its own distinct tone — some are light and playful, others carry a more bittersweet emotional undercurrent — but all share the witty, sophisticated sensibility that defined French popular cinema of the early 1960s.
What are some films similar to Tales of Paris?
If you enjoy Tales of Paris, you might also appreciate Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle (1987), The Day I Saw Your Heart (2011), On Tour (2010), and Let's Hope It's a Girl (1986). These films share a similar interest in female perspectives, French wit, and the textures of everyday romantic and social life.
More About Tales of Paris
Explore further details about Tales of Paris on these trusted resources.