Artists and Models Abroad

Year: 1938

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Mitchell Leisen

ComedyMusic

Buck Boswell’s all‑girl troupe is stranded in Paris, and he tricks the Hotel de Navarre manager into furnishing rooms, only to be locked out by the proprietor’s wife. In search of money, Buck meets Patricia Harper, unaware she’s the world’s fourth‑richest heiress, and she joins the troupe on a whim. Her father, James Harper, pretends to be broke while borrowing a priceless Napoléon necklace to have a replica made, leading Buck to suspect theft. Through his scheming, Buck lands modeling jobs for the girls at the Palace of Feminine Arts during the Paris International Exposition.

Artists and Models Abroad (1938) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the glittering shadow of the Paris International Exposition, a lively troupe of American dancers finds itself far from home, its future as uncertain as the bustling streets that surround them. Their charismatic leader, Buck Boswell, is a quick‑witted charmer whose improvisational schemes keep the group afloat in a city that teems with opportunity and eccentricity. The film’s tone balances the breezy exuberance of a traveling show with the simmering tension of strangers trying to make their way in an unfamiliar world, letting humor and intrigue dance together through each scene.

The all‑girl troupe, a colorful blend of talent and determination, looks to Buck for direction, while he constantly seeks a clever angle to secure their passage back to America. Their escapades lead them to the grand Hotel de Navarre, where the troupe’s flamboyant presence convinces the management to extend a temporary refuge—setting the stage for a series of whimsical misadventures that spotlight both the charm of Parisian hospitality and the troupe’s relentless optimism.

Amidst the chaos, Patricia Harper arrives, a seemingly modest traveler whose curiosity and quick smile draw Buck into an unexpected partnership. Unbeknownst to him, she hails from one of the world’s wealthiest families, a detail that adds a subtle layer of complexity to their budding alliance. Her enigmatic father, James Harper, appears humbled by circumstance, yet his involvement with a celebrated Napoléon necklace hints at a world of elegance and hidden motives that gently pulls the characters toward a broader, more sophisticated stage.

As the exposition’s cultural showcase unfolds, Buck’s resourcefulness finds a new outlet: arranging modeling opportunities for the troupe at the Palace of Feminine Arts. This venture showcases the blend of ambition, artistry, and sly entrepreneurship that drives the narrative, promising a story where romance, comedy, and the allure of Paris intertwine while the characters strive to turn a precarious situation into a triumphant performance.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:07

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Romantic European Escapades like in Artists and Models Abroad

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow characters—often performers, artists, or wealthy eccentrics—who find themselves in a foreign European city. Their plans quickly go awry, leading to a series of fast-paced, comedic misunderstandings, romantic pursuits, and clever ruses to achieve their goals, all culminating in a happy resolution where the chaos is neatly sorted out.

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Charming con artists and penniless performers pulling off improbable, lighthearted scams.If you liked the charming scam artists in Artists and Models Abroad, explore these other films about penniless troupes and theatrical cons. These movies feature energetic ensembles, lighthearted financial chicanery, and a playful, optimistic vibe.

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Narrative Summary

The plot follows a group of likable rogues or down-on-their-luck performers who devise an elaborate, often improvisational plan to solve their money problems. Their scheme leads to a cascade of comedic complications and misunderstandings, but their fundamental goodness shines through, ensuring a happy ending where their ingenuity is ultimately rewarded.

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