Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly), a struggling American painter in Paris, is "discovered" by an influential heiress with an interest in more than Jerry's art. Jerry in turn falls for Lise, a young French girl already engaged to a cabaret singer.

Jerry jokes, sings and dances with his best friend, an acerbic would-be concert pianist, while romantic complications abound. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, An American in Paris offers a stunning backdrop capturing the essence of artistic Paris.