Published on June 27, 2023Updated on January 30, 2024
Discover the cinegenic aura of Monte-Carlo, a mythical place that has inspired the greatest architects and attracted the most prominent stars. From Belle Époque masterpieces to iconic films from the 1950s, immerse yourself in the captivating universe of this enchanting setting.
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Photo: From the golden age of Hollywood, Gentlemen Marry Brunettes, was filmed in 1954, takes us to the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, in the company of the sublime Jane Russell, then to the Opéra Garnier for an evening of music
Cinematic brilliance of Monte-Carlo
Monte Carlo, an iconic venue that combines glamour, magnificent architecture and cinema. Since its beginnings, Monte-Carlo has been able to seduce creative minds, particularly those of visionary directors who have succumbed to the charm of this enchanting place, transforming its cobbled streets and majestic buildings into unforgettable film sets.
Photo: Gentlemen Marry Brunettes brings to the screen the very charismatic Jeanne Crain, shot in response to the famous film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, two adaptations of the novels by American author Anita Loos.
Belle Epoque of Monaco
Since its beginning, Monte-Carlo was able to cultivate its cinematic potential very early on with the help of the finest architects such as Charles Garnier, who designed the Casino de Monte-Carlo, and Edouard-Jean Niermans, whose talent went into the creation of façade on the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Over the years, these masterpieces in Belle Époque style have inspired directors and attracted the most sought-after stars. In the wake of Max à Monaco in 1913, when comic silent film icon Max Linder performed at Port Hercule, the enchanting setting of the resort was the beating heart of the Roaring Twenties. Then came Foolish Wives in 1922 and Confessions of a Cheat by Sacha Guitry in 1936, the plot of which takes place in the heart of Monaco’s gambling world.
The end of the Second World War and the marriage of Prince Rainier III to actress Grace Kelly brought yet more international attention to the Principality. For this first deep dive, we have chosen three films that were made in the 1950s.
Among our selection, take a look at the British film Loser Takes All, released in 1956, a couple of newlyweds played by Glynis Johns and Rossano Brazzi find themselves caught up in the excitement of gambling in Monte Carlo.
Photo: The British film Loser Takes All, released in 1956, during a thrilling race between a scooter, a car, and a horse-drawn carriage, with reputations being made and destroyed in the gambling halls.
The golden age of Hollywood
The feature film Gentlemen marry Brunettes shot in 1954, which belongs to the golden age of Hollywood, takes us to the Place du Casino de Monte-Carlo to find the sublime Jane Russell and attending a musical show at the Opera Garnier. Filmed in response to the famous film Gentlemen prefer Blondes, both are adaptations of the novels by American author Anita Loos. Gentlemen marry brunettes brings the very charismatic Jeanne Crain to the screen.
Finally, the swimming pool at the Monte-Carlo Beach, built by an architect from Nice, Roger Séassal who won the Grand Prix de Rome, is the location for one of the most romantic scenes in the 1955 Italian drama film Donne Sole by Vittorio Sala, with Gianna Maria Canale et Ettore Manni.
Photo : The Italian film Donne Sole by Vittorio Sala, released in 1955, a romantic scene played by Gianna Maria Canale and Ettore Manni at the Monte-Carlo Beach swimming pool.
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