Can Can Follies

In 1890s Montmartre, Paris, the Moulin Rouge is threatened by a moralistic magistrate, Philippe Forrestier, who wants to shut down the cabaret due to its 'obscene' can-can dancers. Hercule Daly, the club's owner, along with his star dancer Lola, must fight to keep their livelihood. Adding to the chaos, Forrestier falls for Lola, while his former love, the artist Giselle, gets involved with Hercule.

Can Can (1954) was a visually extravagant musical that leaned heavily on its star power and lavish production numbers. While it was a box office success, critical reception was generally mixed, with praise for the songs and performances but criticism for its sometimes nonsensical plot and lack of genuine dramatic depth. The film is remembered more for its spectacle than its substance.

• Praised for its vibrant musical numbers and energetic performances, especially from Shirley MacLaine.

• Criticized for a weak and often silly storyline that fails to engage.

• Visually appealing with lavish costumes and sets, but lacks dramatic substance.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the dazzling spectacle and musical performances, finding it entertaining escapism. However, some viewers noted that the plot was thin and occasionally hard to follow.

Nominated for one Academy Award for Best Original Song ('I Love Paris').

The film was originally intended to star Marilyn Monroe and Yves Montand, but they were replaced by Frank Sinatra and Louis Jourdan after Monroe's unhappiness with her role in 'There's No Business Like Show Business' and Montand's involvement in a scandal.