Funny Face (1957)

An impromptu fashion shoot at a book store brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk.

Director:

Stanley Donen

Writer:

Leonard Gershe

Stars:

Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Kay Thompson

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Audrey Hepburn	...	Jo Stockton
Fred Astaire	...	Dick Avery
Kay Thompson	...	Maggie Prescott
Michel Auclair	...	Prof. Emile Flostre
Robert Flemyng	...	Paul Duval
Dovima	...	Marion
Suzy Parker	...	Specialty Dancer (Think Pink Number)
Sunny Hartnett	...	Specialty Dancer (Think Pink Number)
Jean Del Val	...	Hairdresser
Virginia Gibson	...	Babs
Sue England	...	Laura
Ruta Lee	...	Lettie
Alex Gerry	...	Dovitch
Iphigenie Castiglioni	...	Armande

Storyline

Fashion photographer Dick Avery, in search for an intellectual backdrop for an air-headed model, expropriates a Greenwich Village bookstore. When the photo session is over the store is left in a shambles, much to salesgirl Jo Stockton's dismay. Avery stays behind to help her clean up. Later, he examines the photos taken there and sees Jo in the background of one shot. He is intrigued by her unique appearance, as is Maggie Prescott, the editor of a leading fashion magazine. They offer Jo a modeling contract, which she reluctantly accepts only because it includes a trip to Paris. Eventually, her snobbish attitude toward the job softens, and Jo begins to enjoy the work and the company of her handsome photographer.

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Plot Keywords:

fashion | photographer | fashion magazine | model | magazine | 

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Taglines:

Presented in a Real New Dimension in Motion Picture Entertainment.

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Genres:

Romance | Comedy | Musical

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 February 1957 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cinderela em Paris

Filming Locations:

Chantilly, Oise, France

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System) Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The soggy weather played havoc with the shooting of the wedding dress dance scene. Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn were continually slipping in the muddy and slippery grass. Hepburn sings several songs. Her next full musical, My Fair Lady, would see her voice overdubbed, much to her disappointment.

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Goofs

After Dick kisses Jo and leaves the bookstore, Jo begins to sing "How Long Has This Been Going On". As she sings to herself while looking at the mirror in the supposedly empty bookstore, you can clearly see someone moving around on the second floor of the bookstore reflected in the mirror.

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Quotes

Maggie Prescott: The Quality Woman must have grace, elegance and bozazz.
Dick Avery: Every girl on every page of Quality has grace, elegance, and bozazz. Now, what's wrong with bringing out a girl who has character, spirit, and intelligence?
Dovitch: That certainly would be novel in a fashion magazine.

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Connections

Featured in AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Fred Astaire (1981)

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Soundtracks

"Fifth Symphony"
(uncredited)
Written by Ludwig van Beethoven

User Reviews

Still a fun musical

"Funny Face" was great fun during its first runs and is still a most enjoyable musical. A top notch cast headed by Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire make this a winner. Kaye Thompson is on hand for songs, dances and laughs, and George Gershwin's score sparkles. Filmed in part on location in Paris, "Funny Face" beautifully conveys its story of romance with elegance and charm. Smart fashion costumes, photography and choreography combine to make this a hit.