It may have felt like 60 years but it is now only 31 days till Opening Day of the 2009 Baseball season.
Okay, that important tidbit on the books, let's turn towards a different diamond reflection.
Last night, we viewed a DVD of the award-winning film, "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Most will find it hard to believe that I had never seen the film. Of course, I grew up with the music, the film clips and the elegant photos of Ms. Hepburn; and, not to mention (but I will) a penchant for the blue box. The now legendary blue box with white satin ribbon that is the Tiffany's trademark.
As a little girl in New York, I do recall walking by the store on Fifth Avenue. I do not recall ever going inside until I was a big girl living in San Diego and there was a store in the Fashion Valley Shopping Mall. While walking on one's way to Nordstrom, what's a girl to do but stop at gaze longingly into Tiffany's windows? The film does a sweet homage to the store; as does the balance of Ms. Hepburn's career long after this film .
Few celebrities-- past or present -- can do justice to such fashion elegance as did Audrey Hepburn; and in that regard, she was ideally cast in the role of Holly Golightly. However, for me, I would have preferred to see the studio's original choice, Marilyn Monroe. I believe Monroe's own humble beginnings and raw vulnerability would have lent itself better to playing Holly with a life that would drive her to the Big Apple. I had a hard time buying Audrey Hepburn as Lula Mae Barnes on any level - especially, ever married to Doc (as played by Buddy Ebsen). Her accent alone would deny any vestige of a married-at-fourteen-wild-thing turned into $50 a shot female escort.
Yet, there is no getting around that any opportunity to gaze upon Audrey Hepburn is worthwhile. There is something so elegant, so rare, so genuine, so tender about this woman. No woman ever wore black as beautifully as she did-especially, in this film. This woman is visually stunning and so captivating that I was easily forgiving in how I felt she was miscast. I thought Ms. Hepburn did an admirable job and had some wonderful moments but in this role, as in her later attempt of the cockney wretch makeover of Liza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" it was misguided. Earlier this week, we watched "Roman Holiday" (another film I somehow missed) and I thought that to be much more suitable for her charms.
Since I am on an Audrey fest, I am eager to rent "Robin and Marian" and see how I like it now that I am older. I remember her most as an actress from the movie, "Charade." Cary Grant was a much better classy match and worthy co-star for her in my humble opinion.
One of the perks of watching DVD's of older films is that quite often, there are special features with interviews and historical information about the film or the stars that was not available when the film originally was released. I enjoyed hearing Blake Edwards talk about the making of the film. And relieved to hear that if given another chance, would not have cast Mickey Rooney in the part of the Japanese landlord. Hollywood studios were not worried about being politically or racially correct in those days. But for me, beyond that angle, this role detracted and distracted from the story because it became such a caricature role instead of simply comic relief.
There were also interviews talking about and extolling the virtues of Audrey Hepburn. There were a few special clips talking about the history of Tiffany's as well. Because she was so inextricably linked to the store, Ms.Hepburn was asked to write a love letter and tribute to the store for a special anniversary book. And... I was fascinated to learn that several presidents were known to have shopped there including one of my heroes, Abraham Lincoln.
It gives me an odd delight to think about Mr. Lincoln coming home with a small blue box-- perhaps a special gift for Mary that he had hidden in the pocket of his long waistcoat.
For me, I did venture into Tiffany's several times while living in San Diego. And I now have two blue boxes that I have kept. One larger box that contained a beautiful crystal vase, I now use to hold the special cards and love notes from my beau.
Tiffany's and baseball.
Diamonds are a girl's best friends.
05 March, 2009
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1 comment:
Cute. I especially like that ending.
marshall
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