La Vie Parisienne (1991): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1991, La Vie Parisienne is a music film directed by Alain Françon, running about 159 minutes. “La Vie Parisienne (1991) Opéra National de Lyon. Offenbach / French” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This 1991 production by the Lyon National Opera presents a welcome opportunity to revel in a uniquely Gallic confection rarely seen outside France. It's also a chance to enjoy one of Offenbach's most inventive, melodic scores in which the starring musical role and many of the best tunes go to the orchestra, here conducted by Jean-Yves Ossonce. This is no accident: the operetta was originally created for a company of actors who relied on pastiche and the composer's help to get them through their "numbers". Not so these singers, of course. As Metella, the languorous courtesan who is responsible for the unravelling debacle, Helene Delavault is in meltingly good voice for her show-stopping rondeau, "A minuit sonnant commence la fete". Her sparring suitors Gardefeu (Jean-Francois Sivadier) and, particularly, Bobinet (Jacques Verzier) combine marvellous visual comedy with fluid singing and there is some dazzling vocal work from the supporting cast. It's a long piece, but hugely enjoyable.

Who’s in it. La Vie Parisienne stars Hélène Delavault as Métella, Jean-François Sivadier as Raoul de Gardefeu, Jacques Verzier as Bobinet and Jean-Yves Chatelais as Baron de Gondremarck, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch La Vie Parisienne page.

If you liked it. Fans of La Vie Parisienne tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.