Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building, but her past threatens to get in the way.

Director:

Blake Edwards

Writers:

Truman Capote (based on the novel by), George Axelrod (screenplay)

Stars:

Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal

Won 2 Oscars. Another 8 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Audrey Hepburn	...	Holly Golightly
George Peppard	...	Paul Varjak
Patricia Neal	...	2E Failenson
Buddy Ebsen	...	Doc Golightly
Martin Balsam	...	O.J. Berman
José Luis de Vilallonga	...	José da Silva Pereira (as Vilallonga)
John McGiver	...	Tiffany's Salesman
Dorothy Whitney	...	Mag Wildwood
Stanley Adams	...	Rusty Trawler
Elvia Allman	...	Librarian
Alan Reed	...	Sally Tomato
Beverly Powers	...	Nightclub Stripper (as Miss Beverly Hills)
Claude Stroud	...	Sid Arbuck
Orangey	...	Cat (as Cat)
Mickey Rooney	...	Mr. Yunioshi

Storyline

After one of her frequent visits to Tiffany's--New York City's dazzling jewellery store--and the maximum security Sing-Sing prison for mobster Sally Tomato's weekly "weather report", Holly Golightly, Manhattan's elegant socialite, finds herself infatuated with her charming new neighbour, Paul Varjak. Stuck in a persistent creative rut, Paul, too, lets himself drawn into Holly's superficial world, of course, not because he likes the idea that he reminds her of her brother, but because, little by little, he succumbs to Holly's beguiling allure. Even though they don't openly admit it, the two reluctant lovers have a past that they struggle to keep at bay; nevertheless, are their well-hidden secrets powerful enough to keep them apart? After all, Paul and Holly are meant for each other. Will an early-morning breakfast at Tiffany's be the prelude to a breezy young love?

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Plot Keywords:

writer | manhattan new york city | typewriter ribbon | tiffany and co. manhattan new york city | drunkenness | 

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Taglines:

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. . .the most hilarious heroine who ever rumpled the pages of a best-seller. . .is serving wild oats and wonderful fun!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

When 2-E says "Love Finds Andy Hardy" to Paul, it is possibly a nod to the fact Mickey Rooney played Andy Hardy and is also in this film.

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Goofs

In interior shots the apartments have windows and a fire escape along the side. In exterior shots there is no space between the building and the one adjacent to it, making such architectural modifications impossible.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Sid Arbuck: [seeing Holly enter her building] Hey!
[he chases her inside]
Sid Arbuck: Hey, baby, what's going on here?
Holly Golightly: Oh, hi!

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Alternate Versions

The 45th Anniversary DVD release of the film includes revealing footage of the nightclub stripper that was previously left out of the earlier DVD and video releases.

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Connections

Featured in AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions: America's Greatest Love Stories (2002)

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Soundtracks

Moon River
(1961)
By Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini
Played during the opening credits and often in the score
Performed by Audrey Hepburn (uncredited)
Whistled by George Peppard (uncredited)

User Reviews

This movie is watchable because of Audrey Hepburn

There are movies that are loved because of the cast, the music and style, not for the interesting plot, wonderful characterizations or snappy dialogue. This famous movie, Breakfast at Tiffany, has been lovingly regarded for years because of the wonderful Audrey Hepburn and the talented Henry Mancini. Moon River is one of the best movie songs ever. But there is, surprisingly, not much to say overall about this movie.

Two prostitutes become friends. George Peppards' role could have been played by anyone breathing and Micky Rooney was too ridiculous to be funny. The always superb Patricia Neal did not have much to do. Only Buddy Epsen moved me.

There are a few noteworthy scenes. But, Breakfast at Tiffany's is the best example I've seen of a lovely cake with a big hole in the middle.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English Portuguese French Japanese

Release Date:

6 October 1961 (USA)

Also Known As:

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Filming Locations:

New York Public Library - Fifth Avenue & 42nd Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$357,750

Company Credits

Production Co:

Jurow-Shepherd

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1