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:

You're going to have a marvelous time, on a lavish love-happy Paris holiday, set to the lilting music of the great George Gershwin.

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cyd Charisse was offered the lead role, but declined. Audrey Hepburn's agent initially rejected the film, but Hepburn overrode the decision after reading the script.

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Goofs

At the end of the film, we see Dick leave an evening fashion show party to join Jo at the church for the final dance. But once the church scene begins, a hazy filter can't hide the fact that it was shot in broad daylight (complete with blue sky), even though it should still be evening.

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Quotes

Jo Stockton: How could I be a model? I have no illusions about my looks - I think my face looks funny.

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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

Referenced in Supergirl: Star-Crossed (2017)

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Soundtracks

Let's Kiss and Make Up
Words by Ira Gershwin
Music by George Gershwin (1927)
Sung and danced by Fred Astaire

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.