My interest surged when I came across Sophie Edwards’ Homes and Gardens piece about the interior of a Montmartre apartment that Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward rented during the filming of Martin Ritt‘s Paris Blues. The article was posted this morning.
Having stayed in Montmartre several times over the last quarter-century, I was immediately interested in the Newman-Woodward address and maybe a shot of the apartment’s exterior.
Does Edwards’ article include either one (i.e., the address or an exterior photo)? Of course not. This is perhaps due to some extreme notion in Edwards’ head about a possible violation of privacy or whatnot. Nobody wants to help some deranged stalker bother a visiting celebrity but…hello?…Paris Blues was filmed 65 years ago so whose privacy could possibly be invaded?
Edwards could have at least mentioned the street but naaah. I hate this kind of lazy, lightweight faux-journalism.
The Newman-Woodward place was at 11 rue d’Orchampt, which is just south of the corner of rue Lepic and rue d’Orchampt. I know the area well. A Google Maps shot of the entrance reveals that the building is protected by a solid metal gate….perfect for movie stars!
is Paris Blues any good? It was considered semi-edgy at the time due to the casting of Sidney Poitier and Diahann Carroll as lovers plus related discussions of American racism. The sexual aroma is emphasized by the name of Newman’s slide-trombone-playing jazzman — i.e., Ram Bowen. Carroll and Woodward play visiting tourists who get involved with Newman and Poitier, and it goes with saying that, racism aside, this urban relationship film is definitely about Ram Bowen fulfilling the metaphor…heh-heh. Otherwise it’s a bit flaccid, although the roaming-around-Paris footage is diverting. Louis Armstrong costars.
