"He suspects me of having worn my garter a little loosely." ~ Loretta de Richet
In 1946 Carole co-starred in this historical drama A Scandal In Paris (also known as Thieves' Holiday). She had the supporting role as Loretta de Richet, a showgirl who is in love with the criminal who stole her jeweled garter. 20th Century Fox loaned her to United Artists to make the movie. The cast includes George Sanders (playing a notorious French criminal), Signe Hasso, Gene Lockhart, and Akim Tamiroff. A Scandal In Paris was directed by Douglas Sirk. Her sexy French period costumes were designed by Norma Koch. Carole said "I go around practically stripped to the waist". In the movie she performs "Flame Song". Censors almost cut the scene because at the beginning of the song she appears to be nude behind a screen.
Carole and George Sanders
The movie was filmed in Hollywood, California from October 8 until November 26, 1945. In October United Artists invited reporters to a party to promote the movie. Carole posed for pictures with the reporters wearing dozens of jeweled garters. On November 14, 1945 a stalker named Charles Gramlich broke into her dressing room and tried to attack her. She told police he tried to "unzip her costume". Gramlich was arrested and sent to a mental institution. A Scandal In Paris was released on July 19, 1946. Although she got third billing Carole was heavily featured in the ads. The movie was a hit and her performance earned her some of the best reviews of her career. Carole later said it was one her favorite roles.
Carole points out her attacker
A Scandal In Paris is available on Blu-ray and DVD
