Is Paris Burning? 1966
""Burn Paris!" was the order that had come shrieking over the phone."
René Clément's 1966 historical drama *Is Paris Burning?* plunges viewers into the final days of World War II, where a ticking clock and a city on the brink set the stage for a gripping moral dilemma.
Director: René Clément
Cast
Jean-Paul Belmondo
Yvon Morandat
Charles Boyer
Doctor Monod
Leslie Caron
Françoise Labé
Jean-Pierre Cassel
Lt. Henri Karcher
George Chakiris
GI in Tank
Bruno Cremer
Colonel Rol Tanguy
Claude Dauphin
Colonel Lebel
Alain Delon
Jacques Chaban-Delmas
Kirk Douglas
General Patton
Pierre Dux
Cerat - Alexandre Parodi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Is Paris Burning?* (1966) about?
Set in the closing days of World War II, the film follows German General Dietrich von Choltitz as he's ordered to destroy Paris rather than let it fall to the Allies. Wrestling with his conscience, he risks everything to spare the city, sparking a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with Nazi hardliners and resistance leaders alike.
Who directed *Is Paris Burning??
The film was directed by René Clément, a master of atmospheric storytelling known for blending historical drama with human drama.
Who stars in *Is Paris Burning??
The all-star cast includes Jean-Paul Belmondo, Charles Boyer, Leslie Caron, Jean-Pierre Cassel, and George Chakiris, each bringing depth to this wartime epic.
Is *Is Paris Burning?* (1966) worth watching?
For fans of historical dramas with moral depth, *Is Paris Burning?* is a standout. Its intricate plot, stellar cast, and tense atmosphere make it a rewarding watch, though its 173-minute runtime demands patience. A strong choice for those who appreciate war narratives with a human touch.
How long is *Is Paris Burning??
The film runs for 173 minutes, offering a sweeping yet immersive experience.
🎥 Trailer
About Is Paris Burning? (1966) — A gripping tale of defiance in WWII's final hours
René Clément's 1966 historical drama *Is Paris Burning?* plunges viewers into the final days of World War II, where a ticking clock and a city on the brink set the stage for a gripping moral dilemma. As Allied forces close in, German General Dietrich von Choltitz faces a chilling ultimatum: burn Paris to the ground before liberation if resistance seems impossible. With the weight of history—and humanity—on his shoulders, Choltitz must navigate treacherous alliances and high-stakes negotiations, including a tense partnership with Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling. The film intertwines the perspectives of resistance fighters, Nazi officers, and civilians, painting a vivid portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the fragile threads holding a nation together.
Clément crafts an atmospheric tension rarely matched, blending the grandeur of a city's architectural splendor with the urgency of impending destruction. The ensemble cast, led by Jean-Paul Belmondo and Charles Boyer, delivers performances steeped in gravitas and quiet heroism, anchoring a narrative that's equal parts thriller and historical testament. Themes of resistance versus oppression, and the power of defiance in the face of tyranny, resonate through every frame, making *Is Paris Burning?* (1966) a poignant exploration of war's ethical complexities.
