Fun in the Sun: A Trip to Trouville

This is my entry in the Classic Movie Blog Association's Fun in the Sun Blogathon. For more sun-kissed movie moments, click here and feel the warmth.

Isn't it great when everyone on a little trip has a good time? For all five participants,  the seaside jaunt to Trouville in "Gigi" proves to be a memorable and joyful experience. That's quite an accomplishment, because someone in "Gigi" - until the end - is always feeling a bit out of step or sorts with the others (Gaston with Liane, Madame Alvarez with her sister Alicia, Gigi with Alicia, Gigi with Gaston, Gigi with Parisian lovers in general and on and on. Only Honoré seems unperturbed, but even he is annoyed at Gaston's ennui).

Now, imagine the bracing sting of the sea air, the warmth of the sun on your face and the glow of love in all its seasons and enjoy this little trip to the charming town beloved by Flaubert, Proust, Monet and, oh yes, our 5 main characters.

1. Gigi

After winning a card game with Gaston (at which she flagrantly cheats), Gigi persuades him to take her and her grandmother, Madame Alvarez, to the seaside resort town of Trouville. She has never been to the sea shore before and her excitement leads to toasting the upcoming holiday with a glass of champagne. 

Once there she and Gaston swim, ride donkeys and play tennis. Unlike the other staid and elegant ladies at the resort, Gigi delight and excitement is authentic and infectious. Their obvious joy in one another's company is on full display.   

2. Gaston

For a man so bored with the shallow and jaded life of Belle Époque Paris, the weekend in Trouvillle with Gigi is just what the doctor ordered. Gigi's uninhibited display of happiness is an unfamiliar feeling for Gaston, but one he finds he can not live without. Love is blossoming, as sometimes happens when young people frolic in the sand and the surf.

3 & 4. Madame Alvarez and Honoré

Gigi's grandmother will pay for her scandalous decision to allow Gigi to be seen with Gaston at Trouville, but in the moment she is filled with joy at the sight of the two young lovers having some innocent fun by the sea. She also encounters an old love from the past and, with a wry and gentle spirit, takes a wistful walk down memory lane with someone who was obviously a great love. Time truly does heal all wounds. Seen in the sunset of life, only the fond feelings remain.

For Honoré, this weekend does not turn out quite as planned. The old hound dog pursues a young and obviously boring beauty, but is, as he says, sidetracked by an old wound. He and Madame Alvarez share a charming literal and musical sunset reminiscence of their love. Seen from afar, what once caused pain now brings pleasure. If memory is a virtue, forgetfulness can be a blessing.

#5

And who is that 5th visitor at Trouville? Of course it is us, the audience. How lucky we are that we get to accompany these marvelous characters on their little adventure and to experience love in all its seasons under the hot sun of youth and the elegant and mature glow of a rapturous sunset.