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 2 wins & 6 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 model | fashion | fashion designer | photographer | model | 

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Taglines:

Presented in a Real New Dimension in Motion Picture Entertainment.

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ditzy model Marion's interest in comic books was inserted into the film to reflect actress-model Dovima's real life passion for them.

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Goofs

When the song "He Loves, She Loves" begins, Dick Avery puts his camera down on the grass. When Avery and Jo Stockton start dancing, the camera is missing.

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Quotes

[Dick kisses Jo]
Jo Stockton: Why did you do that?
Dick Avery: Empathy. I put myself in your place and I felt that you wanted to be kissed.
Jo Stockton: I'm afraid you put yourself in the WRONG place. I have no desire to be kissed, by you or anyone else.

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Alternate Versions

Kay Thompson is shown singing "do some window shopping in the Rue de la Paix" in pouring rain, carrying an open umbrella. The version shown in the final film was shot in brilliant sunshine with the umbrella left closed!

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Connections

Featured in Private Screenings: Stanley Donen (2006)

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Soundtracks

Overture: Funny Face/'S Wonderful/Think Pink!
Written by Words by Ira Gershwin Music by George Gershwin (1927)
Performed by Fred Astaire

User Reviews

lovely

Givenchy , Gershwin, Fred Astaire, Kay Thompson. and especially, Audrey Hepburn. and Paris. the pieces of a charming puzzle, with a drawing story. the first temptation is to criticize it. for reasons who are more than legitime for a XXI century viewer. the second - to enjoy it. because it confirms and gives many surprises. it confirms the unique Audrey Hepburn. giving new nuances in singing , dancing and Givenchy scenes. it surprise for admirable job of Kay Thompson. and confirms the science of Fred Astaire to be a magnificent partner for each actress. it impress for a special flavor about an ideal Paris. and for the smart use of the story about anonymous girl becoming, after an accident, star. short, a lovely classic. for many reasons. in special for the memorable shooting scenes

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

25 April 1957 (UK)

Also Known As:

Funny Face

Filming Locations:

Champs Elysées, Paris 8, Paris, 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)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1