Blake Edwards's adaptation of Truman Capote's classic novella is ideally cast with Audrey Hepburn in the role of Holly Golightly. The free-spirited gamine darts about New York, feted by wealthy men drawn to her megawatt charm and elegance, hoping that the party will never end. After "shopping" in front of Tiffany's window, she meets aspiring writer Paul Varjak (George Peppard), and they begin a platonic friendship. "Sponsored" by an older woman (Patricia Neal) whose interest in the young man is more than literary, he can identify with her experience better than most, taking it upon himself to protect her from the worst aspects of city life. But she seems to need little protection from such friends as incarcerated mob boss Sally Tomato (Alan Reed), who pays her to carry messages to Sing Sing. With her infectious joi de vivre, she helps Paul break through a paralyzing case of writer's block. But when the genial Doc Golightly (Buddy Ebsen) appears in New York in search of Holly, the sources of her gossamer lifestyle suddenly become clearer. Edwards's lighter-than-air romantic comedy, set in a fantasy New York, rides on the irresistible charm of Hepburn at her peak, as well as a memorable score by Henry Mancini. Although George Axelrod's screenplay is as different from the original story as George Peppard is from the young Capote, the film succeeds on its own terms.
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S is one more reason to fall in love with Audrey Hepburn in this this sparkling and, at times, poignant comedy about a free-spirited young woman from the hinterlands redefining herself in New York City. Based on a Truman Capote story, it also features the timeless melody "Moon River" by Henry Mancini.
The film was changed extensively from Capote's novel, in which the character of Paul Varjack (played by George Peppard onscreen) was gay.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case - Sensormatic
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Stars
Audrey Hepburn: Actress, MY FAIR LADY, FUNNY FACE, ROMAN HOLIDAY, SABRINA
George Peppard: American actor, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S, THE A-TEAM
Patricia Neal: Oscar winning American actress, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S
Martin Balsam: American actor
Buddy Ebsen: American Actor, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES TV Series
Mickey Rooney: American actor, singer, THE BOLD AND THE BRAVE
John McGiver: American Character Actor
Director
Blake Edwards: American Director/Screenwriter, THE PINK PANTHER Films
Screenwriter
George Axelrod: American Writer/Producer/Director
Composer
Henry Mancini: American Songwriter/Composer, THE PINK PANTHER Theme
Editor
Howard A. Smith: Editor, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (1961)
Director of Photography
Franz Planer:
Source Writer
Truman Capote: American Author/Novelist
Costume Designer
Edith Head: Oscar winning costume designer, THE STING
Review 1:
"...BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S still exerts an enduring charm, not least because of the poise and waif-like beauty of the bewitching Hepburn..." -- 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Total Film
p.98 03/01/2001
Review 2:
"...[The film] remains one of the most attractive screen portraits of New York City from the early '60s..."
Source: USA Today
p.12E 10/08/1999
Review 3:
"...Ravishing..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.63 01/01/2001
Review 4:
"[T]he 1961 Audrey Hepburn classic....There is no denying the charm and grace of her performance, nor the exquisite cut of her Givenchy wardrobe."
Source: New York Times
p.E3 02/14/2006
Review 5:
"[Hepburn stars as] a dazzling and stylish young woman whose life is both mysterious and charming, yet heartbreaking."
Source: Widescreen Review
p.62 04/01/2006
Review 6:
4 stars out of 5 -- "Audrey Hepburn truly made the role her own with a canny combination of naivety and sass..."
Source: Total Film
p.127 07/01/2006