How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from An American in Paris.
Quote #1
HENRI: She's an enchanting girl, Adam. Not really beautiful. And yet, she has great beauty.
We think this is a compliment? Maybe? Henri's description of Lise to Adam reveals a lot about gender expectations and how we view beauty. Henri's saying that, on the outside, Lise isn't a stunner, but she makes up for her lack of "traditional" beauty through her complexity.
Quote #2
YOUNG WOMAN: I can understand disregarding perspective to achieve an effect, but in your case—
JERRY: Look, honey. Why don't you be a good little girl and move on. You're not going to buy anything. You're just blocking out the sunshine.
YOUNG WOMAN: Well, I just wanted to discuss your work.
JERRY: I don't want you to discuss my work. I'm not interested in your opinion of my work. If you say something nice, it won't make me feel any better. If you don't, it'll bother me. Thank you. Good day.
If the young woman were a young man, do you think Jerry would've told him to be a "good little boy" and move on? Probably not. This exchange suggests that Jerry doesn't value this young woman's opinion simply because she's a young woman.
Quote #3
JERRY: Hey, uh, how'd you come by all these worldly possessions? A rich husband or a rich father?
MILO: Father.
For Jerry, the idea that Milo could've made her fortune by herself is about as realistic as electing a Labradoodle president of the United States. Furthermore, the fact that Milo takes no offense also reflects the time period's prevailing attitude about gender.