Paris Holiday

Paris Holiday

Year: 1958

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Director: Gerd Oswald

ComedyActionRomance

The two greatest comedy partners ever unleash chaos across Paris, with American comic Bob Hunter teaming up with his French counterpart Fernydel and two striking blondes. As they chase leads, they become the target of a ruthless European counter‑feiting syndicate that wants them dead, turning the city into a whirlwind of slapstick danger.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Paris Holiday (1958)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Paris Holiday (1958). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The story unfolds in the early 1950s, a period of glamorous travel and growing international intrigue. Transatlantic journeys by luxury liners set the mood for a cosmopolitan, high-society vibe that underpins the plot. The Paris finale and chase reflect the era’s mix of optimism and spy-story flair.

Location

SS Île de France, Paris

The luxury ocean liner SS Île de France is the opening stage for the film's humor and intrigue, a floating crossroads of international passengers. The ship’s opulence and confined spaces provide fertile ground for disguises, searches, and shifting loyalties. Upon arrival in Paris, the city becomes the central backdrop for pursuit, romance, and high-stakes capers.

🚢 Luxury liner 🌆 Paris 🎭 Adventure

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:11

Main Characters – Paris Holiday (1958)

Meet the key characters of Paris Holiday (1958), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bob Hunter (Bob Hope)

A popular American comedian swept into an international plot, Bob uses humor and improvisation to outsmart criminals. He’s charm-forward, brave when needed, and becomes an unlikely hero who protects Ann and helps reveal the truth.

🎭 Protagonist 🕵️ Comedic Hero

Ann McCall (Martha Hyer)

Elegant diplomat on the ship who becomes Bob's ally and love interest. She maintains composure under pressure, provides crucial information, and helps steer the investigation toward the criminals.

💼 Diplomat ❤️ Romance

Zara Brown (Anita Ekberg)

Agent for a French criminal organization who oscillates between threat and alliance. Her pursuit of Bob adds danger but she ultimately becomes a complicating ally in the chase.

🕶️ Femme Fatale

Serge Vitry (Preston Sturges)

Writer whose manuscript reveals the identities of counterfeiters and triggers the plot. His murder catalyzes the pursuit and unravels the conspiracy.

✍️ Writer

American Ambassador (André Morell)

Diplomatic authority who assists Bob and Inspector Dupont, helping to corner the criminals and protect the innocent. His role adds official weight to the investigation.

🛡️ Authority 🤝 Ally

Inspector Dupont (Yves Brainville)

Investigator who decodes Serge Vitry's manuscript and pursues the criminals across Paris. He provides a steady, methodical counterpoint to Bob's improvisation.

🕵️ Inspector 🧭 Ally

Fernydel (Fernandel)

Wily ally who provides comic relief and practical aid, including piloting the final helicopter escape. His resourcefulness proves indispensable to the crew.

🎩 Sidekick 🚁 Pilot

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:11

Major Themes – Paris Holiday (1958)

Explore the central themes of Paris Holiday (1958), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Espionage

A lighthearted spy plot centers on a manuscript that exposes counterfeiters and a web of conspiracy within high offices. The pursuit moves between the liner and Paris, blending danger with comedy as clues and disguises multiply.

💘 Romance

Romantic tension drives Bob’s interest in Ann while Zara’s shifting loyalties complicate the love triangle. The film uses flirtation and charm to navigate danger, keeping romance central to the adventure.

🎭 Comedy

The narrative thrives on witty banter, mistaken identities, and comic set-pieces as Bob Hope teams with Fernandel. The humor lightens perilous moments, producing a breezy, crowd-pleasing tone.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:11

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Unlock the Full Story of Paris Holiday

Don't stop at just watching — explore Paris Holiday in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Paris Holiday is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Paris Holiday Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Paris Holiday, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Paris Holiday Summary

Paris Holiday Timeline

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Paris Holiday Timeline

More About Paris Holiday

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More About Paris Holiday