One of the greatest of 1950s screen musicals is a happy collaboration between the grace and athleticism of Gene Kelly and the colorful palette of director Vincente Minnelli. An American G.I. lingers in Paris after the war to study painting and soon falls in love with Leslie Caron, an engaged demoiselle, much to the chagrin of his romance-minded benefactress. This classic musical boasts a 17-minute avant-garde ballet choreographed by Kelly to George Gershwin's unbeatable music. An American In Paris garnered eight Academy Award nominations and six wins, including Best Picture and Best Story and Screenplay. Kelly won a special Oscar for his inimitable achievements.