Chattin’ With The Common Guy

Leslie Caron’s Next Role – A Dog?

Just What Would She Do For James Ivory…

By Paul Hall

After coming in from Paris the night before, Leslie Caron was ready to take on the world, or at least the press, and talk about her role in the new Merchant and Ivory comedy Le Divorce (opening everywhere August 23). 

Caron started her Hollywood film career with the 1951 release of an American in Paris alongside the fabulous Gene Kelly.  Probably best known for her roles in An American in Paris and Gigi, Caron’s presence graced Hollywood screens for years. 

But why did Caron choose to do Le Divorce this year?  That answer is simple,  “working with James Ivory is every actor’s ambition and I was so thrilled to be asked.”  But the surprising thing was just how much she wanted to work for James Ivory as she exclaimed, “I would have played the dog for him.”  Now that’s dedication, and it also shows just how much respect James Ivory commands in the film business.

Caron’s real life persona did bleed into her onscreen role in Le Divorce.  In fact the feeling of superiority is just not what she is about.   In fact she says, “I couldn’t help having a little bit of humanity come into this character.”  That despite the fact that she thinks “this character is quite ruthless I mean all she cares about is maintaining the family fortune, the family good name all the goodies.”  Before you think that this equates to Caron in real life she makes sure to add, “that’s not me at all.”

Caron is also very pleased at the resurgence of the musical.  Having danced with such superstars as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, she utters one word when asked what she thinks of the resurgence in the musical, “wonderful”. 

If only the resurgence of the musical would last we could see more future Leslie Caron’s in the film business.  Caron is witty, intelligent and we hope that she doesn’t really have a role as a dog in her future…I’m sure James Ivory would never subject this lady to something like that.

© 2003 Paul Hall, All Rights Reserved

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