I also never really enjoyed the film An American In Paris. However, I saw the reimagined stage version about 4-5 years ago, and absolutely loved it! The extended time allowed for the more confusing plot holes of the film, to be better drawn out. And of course, the dancing was amazing to watch...
I read somewhere that TGSOE was one of Oscar’s biggest gaffes, with voting it best picture of 1952. I forget where I read that. I saw the film once and enjoyed it, but agreed with the dissenters, and feel High Noon was the deserving film that year