peter staines

Made in 1961 and directed by Martin Ritt, "Paris Blues" features two real life romantic couples; Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and Sydney Poitier and Diahanne Carroll. We follow both couples' romantic ups and downs, and the tug of war between the nocturnal jazz demi monde of Parisian nightclubs and bars, and imminent domesticity. Admittedly the plot is slight and Poitier and Newman are less than convincing in their roles as devil may care struggling jazz musos, but I enjoyed this film. It makes a very decent fist of capturing l'ambience de Paris in the early 60s and the cameo from Louis Armstrong is delightful. The chemistry between the two couples is palpable. Recommended.

This is grown up and gripping TV. Nerve jangling tension in every gorgeous scene. Brilliant casting. Perfect performances. Congratulations to all involved.