Iconic Belgian-American actress (1929-1993).
On this day in 1929, Audrey Hepburn was born. She would go on to be one of the biggest film stars of all times, and is revered until today for her talent, elegance and humanitarian work for UNICEF.
Many films by Hepburn are still well-known today, especially of course the iconic "Breakfast at Tiffany's", based on the novella by Truman Capote. However, many people have not actually seen many of her films, especially from younger generations - even though they have aged well, in most cases. The fact that she worked with all the best director of her time, as well as starred opposite the biggest male stars shows the extent of her status in Hollywood. So here are some of my favourite films by her.
My Fair Lady (1964) by George Cukor
Based on the play "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw, which was then turned into the musical " My Fair Lady". A young flower girl with limited education is chosen as the subject of an experiment by a phonetics professor, who wants to prove that he can improve her language enough to make her seem a lady. Hepburn plays the iconic Eliza Doolittle, and Rex Harrison the professor.
Winner of 8 Oscars, plus 4 further nominations.
(PS see my post on Modern Adaptations to see which newer film was inspired by it.)
Roman Holiday (1953) by William Wyler
A fairytale-like story which is nevertheless very charming. A sheltered princess is on a visit to Rome, but manages to escape her duties. She meets an American reporter, who shows her around the city without knowing who she is. Hepburn plays the princess, and the wonderful Gregory Peck her tour guide.
Winner of 3 Oscars, one of them for Hepburn, plus 7 further nominations.
Sabrina (1954) by Billy Wilder
A girl growing up in modest circumstances as the daughter of a chauffeur, but when she gets older, she catches the eye of her father's employers. Not only one but two brothers start to be curious about her, leading to an interesting choice Sabrina has to make. A wonderful gem with Humphrey Bogart and William Holden (whom Hepburn dated for a while) as Hepburn's sparring partners. Wardrobe by Hubert de Givenchy.
Winner of 1 Oscar, plus 5 nominations, one of them for Hepburn.
War & Peace (1956) by King Vidor
Based on the novel by Tolstoy. Set during Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, this film follows two families and their fates in a difficult time. Again, the leading men, Henry Fonda and Mel Ferrer, show how big of a production this was. Ferrer was Hepburn's husband at the time, for 14 years until their divorce in 1968.
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
Funny Face (1957) by Stanley Donen
While there is also a stage musical of the same name, they are not really identical, but some musical numbers are the same. This film is about a young girl who dreams of going to Paris, and get the chance when she is discovered as a model. Despite not being interested in the fashion world, she goes along - so this is essentially also a film about Paris. Besides Fred Astaire, Hepburn can show her talent for dancing and singing.
Nominated for 4 Oscars.
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) by Blake Edwards
Based on the novella by Truman Capote, this film is essentially about finding yourself in life and in a big city like New York. The charming Holly Golightly lives in an apartment building where she hosts parties and has strange relationships with her neighbours, among them the nice Paul (George Peppard) and the funny Mr. Yunioshi (Mickey Rooney). Besides the charming plot, this film is notable for the wonderful music by Henry Mancini ("Moon River") as well as the costumes (once again by Hubert de Givenchy).
Winner of 2 Oscars, plus 3 further nominations, one of them for Hepburn.
(Images: IMDB)