How to Pronounce Maurice Chevalier

Meaning and Context

Maurice Chevalier, born in 1888 and passing in 1972, was the quintessential French entertainer whose career spanned over seven decades, defining an era of continental charm and sophisticated showmanship. Emerging from the Parisian music hall tradition, he became an international icon of French cinema and music, renowned for his signature boater hat, tuxedo, and debonair smile. His breakthrough in early Hollywood musicals like The Love Parade (1929) and his enduring performances in classic films such as Gigi (1958), for which he performed the Oscar-winning song "Thank Heaven for Little Girls," cemented his status as a global ambassador of French culture. Chevalier's legacy as a singer and actor is preserved in his timeless recordings of songs like "Louise," "Mimi," and "Valentine," which continue to evoke the romantic spirit of Paris. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his embodiment of Gallic wit and elegance make him a perennial subject of interest for fans of vintage Hollywood, French chanson, and musical theatre history.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Maurice Chevalier" is generally consistent in spelling, though non-French speakers and writers sometimes encounter pitfalls. The most common error is misspelling his surname, often by omitting the second 'e' as in "Chevalir" or incorrectly adding an 's' to make "Chevaliers." Another frequent typo involves his first name, mistakenly written as "Morris" or "Maurices." Phonetic misspellings like "Shevalier" also occur, misunderstanding the French pronunciation where "Ch" is soft. It is important to note the correct diacritical marks are not typically used in English-language contexts (no accent on the 'e' in Chevalier), though in proper French, his full name is written Maurice Auguste Chevalier. Confusion can also arise with similar-sounding names, but the distinctive pairing of "Maurice" and "Chevalier" is uniquely his.

Example Sentences

The film festival's retrospective opened with a restored print of Gigi, showcasing Maurice Chevalier's irresistible charm as the worldly Honore Lachaille.

For many, the sound of Maurice Chevalier singing "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" is inextricably linked with the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

His autobiography reveals that behind the iconic boater hat and smile, Maurice Chevalier navigated a complex life through two world wars.

Contemporary performers often cite Maurice Chevalier's effortless stage presence and precise diction as a masterclass in entertainment.

You can hear the direct influence of Maurice Chevalier's musical hall style in the work of later French singers like Charles Aznavour.

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