Is Paris Burning? poster

Movie

Is Paris Burning?

1966PG2h 53m7.2 / 10

"Burn Paris!" was the order that had come shrieking over the phone.

Near the end of World War II, General Dietrich von Choltitz receives orders to burn down Paris if it becomes clear the Allies are going to invade, or if he's unable to maintain control of the city. After much contemplation, Choltitz ignores orders, enraging the Germans and giving hope to various resistance factions that the city will be liberated. Choltitz, alongside Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling, helps a leader organise his forces.

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Checked Jul 22, 2026

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Synopsis

Near the end of World War II, General Dietrich von Choltitz receives orders to burn down Paris if it becomes clear the Allies are going to invade, or if he's unable to maintain control of the city. After much contemplation, Choltitz ignores orders, enraging the Germans and giving hope to various resistance factions that the city will be liberated. Choltitz, alongside Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling, helps a leader organise his forces.

Cast, crew and production details

About Is Paris Burning?

Cast

Jean-Paul BelmondoYvon Morandat
Charles BoyerDoctor Monod
Leslie CaronFrançoise Labé
Jean-Pierre CasselLt. Henri Karcher
George ChakirisGI in Tank
Bruno CremerColonel Rol Tanguy
Claude DauphinColonel Lebel
Alain DelonJacques Chaban-Delmas

Credits

Directed by
René Clément
Written by
Francis Ford Coppola, Gore Vidal

Production details

Status
Released
Original language
French
Original title
Paris brûle-t-il?

Production

  • Paramount PicturesUnited States
  • Marianne ProductionsFrance
  • Transcontinental FilmsFrance
  • Seven Arts ProductionsUnited States
  • Rastar ProductionsUnited States

Themes

adolf hitlerallies in the armyamerican soldiersblack and whiteeiffel tower, parisfrancefrench liberation armyfrench resistancegerman occupation of francegerman soldiersgermanyliberation armyliberation warmilitary