Maurice Chevalier

Hollywood, CA (Hollywood Backstage) - Ah Madame and Monsieur, and you kids too. You're going to a very elegant dinner party, for a very elegant guy. He's that young man with a twinkle in his eyes and a sparkle in his smile, Mr. Maurice Chevalier.

His sixty-sixth anniversary in showbiz was hosted by Ann Miller and millionaire Arthur Cameron. The party included guests Walt Disney, Conrad Hilton, Rory Calhoun, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty, Juliette Prowse, Greer Garson, Gia Scala, Zsa Zsa Gabor, "singing star" Peggy Lee and Bette Davis. That's quite a party.

He sang "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" in the motion picture "Gigi." Other songs Chavalier was known for include "Mimi" and "Every Little Breeze Seems to Whisper Louise."

Maurice Chevalier -- a fabulous character and what a fabulous career. And where do you think it all started?

This great performer who appeared began his career at age 12 singing on the streets of Paris. And it was the beautiful and romantic Paris of the Moulin Rouge, Maxine's and people like Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. The streets were crowded and Maurice sang rough and tumble street songs. By the time he was 20, he moved from outside to inside the cafes. And it wasn't too long before he was discovered by the great French star, Mistinguett. And from this point, came stardom.

Chavalier made many movies in Hollywood starting in 1929, with one of the first sound pictures, "Innocence in Paris." By the late 1930's he was acclaimed the greatest of international musical comedy stars. The elegance and glamour of his life was represented by this distinctive dinner, its guests.

One of the great stars of musical comedy on the stage and on the screen. Everyone loves a good song and a romantic charmer. This party was a tribute to a man who was great at both, Maurice Chevalier.

This rare and exclusive Hollywood Backstage film footage was shot way back in the sixties.