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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCHEVALIER, Maurice(b 12 Sep. 1888, Menilmontant nr Paris; d there 1 Jan. '72) Actor/singer. Cafe performer early 1900s; dance team with Mistinguette at Folies BergŠre '09--13; revue entertainer after WWI. Introduced first of songs identified with him '25: 'Valentine', about charms of a mistress, did not translate well from French. Had made several silent films by this time; went to Hollywood '28, signed Paramount contract for talking pictures. Innocents Of Paris '29 incl. 'Louise'; between films he appeared on stage in New York, on one occasion accompanied by Duke Ellington's band. Ernst Lubitsch's The Love Parade '29 confirmed stardom; Rouben Mamoulian's Love Me Tonight had songs by Rodgers and Hart, incl. 'Mimi'; also 'Isn't It Romantic' in an innovative opening scene: lyrics were so tied to the action that Hart rewrote them for the song's general release. Chevalier returned to Europe, reconquered Paris on the stage '35, now world-famous. Reluctant during WWII German occupation to perform in Paris; when invited to Germany '41 he complied on condition that ten French prisoners were released (later accused but cleared of collaboration). Developed one-man show late '40s; took it to London and USA. Lived quietly in France early '50s, then back to USA for Love In The Afternoon '57, Billy Wilder film with no songs. Next Lerner and Loewe score Gigi '58 with classics 'Thank Heaven For Little Girls' and 'I Remember It Well' (with Hermione Gingold): Oscar that year for 'contributions to the world of entertainment for more than half a century'. Can Can followed, with Frank Sinatra and Louis Jourdan '60; Fanny '61 was his last characteristic role, though several more films raised the total to 44. His boulevardier identity and trademark straw boater are imperishable; he made countless records. |