Madame Alvarez a.k.a. Mamita (Hermione Gingold)’s Timeline and Summary
- When Gigi comes home late from school, Madame Alvarez sends her back out to a lesson at her aunt's. Meanwhile, Gaston, Madame Alvarez's family friend, comes to visit, bringing caramels for Gigi and wine for her.
- A couple days later, she speaks to her sister on the phone, and finds out that Gaston and his girlfriend have broken up. In the ensuing weeks, she watches as the exploits of her friend are reported: Gaston is being watched "by the eyes of Paris."
- Soon after, none other than Gaston drops by, and Madame Alvarez happily serves him her homemade cassoulet as Gigi beats him at cards (by cheating), winning a trip for the three of them to the beach at Trouville. Yum, cassoulet.
- While Gigi and Gaston gallivant around the beach, Madame Alvarez sees her old flame, Honoré, and nods and waves to him with a coy smile. At last, Honoré asks to sit down with her, and they reminisce about old times.
- When they get back from Trouville, Madame Alvarez's sister calls her to let her know that Gigi has been in all the papers as Gaston's mystery escort, and that they need to prepare Gigi for the possibility of one day being with the rich young man. Lessons are sped up, clothes are bought, and Madame Alvarez feels ready when Gaston returns from Monte Carlo.
- Madame Alvarez is hurt when Gaston laughs and teases Gigi about her new grown-up look, but when he offers to take the girl to tea at Versailles, Madame Alvarez says she can no longer be seen with him without a formal agreement. He leaves, angry.
- A little bit later, Gaston returns, ready to make a formal business agreement with Madame Alvarez for Gigi's companionship.
- Madame is aghast when Gigi refuses Gaston's offer, but thrilled when Gaston changes his terms and asks for Gigi's hand in marriage.