Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn: Two Funny Faces In Paris

Believe it or not, the world's classiest and most stylish man, Fred Astaire, is a native of Omaha, Nebraska -- a town he always called "not too big, not too small, but just right." Of all the famous actors who hail from Omaha (no joke, since they include Henry Fonda, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift and Nick Nolte), Fred is my favorite because he always makes me feel good just by watching him. And as the world's most renowned dancer, he probably worked the hardest, too.

And of all of Fred Astaire's many incredible films, Funny Face is probably my favorite. Sometimes it amazes me to see his sheer youth and energy. He was born in Omaha on May 10, 1899. That means he was 58 years old when Funny Face was made in 1957. Of course, he dances like a 17-year-old, and for a man pushing 60, you can believe that young and beautiful Audrey would fall madly in love with him.

Fashion Photographer Finds Funny-Faced Model

Funny Face was basically a delightful excuse to write a man-meets-girl story with fabulous clothing and Paris scenes around the music of George and Ira Gershwin.

That works just fine for me! And as a director, Stanley Donen always knew how to bring out the best in performers like Astaire and Hepburn. Astaire's character is closely based on real-life photographer Richard Avedon, who also was a consultant on many of the amazing still shots featured in the film.

Kay Thompson, however, nearly steals the show as the high-powered, leggy editor of Quality magazine. Thompson is better known as author of the "Eloise" books, but she can sing, she can dance, and she can certainly hold her own in a dance number with Astaire or Hepburn.

In their character roles, Thompson and Astaire march into a village book shop where mousey Hepburn is working as a clerk -- they want an "intellectual" setting for some sleek designs worn by sleek models for a fashion layout. But Astaire clicks a few shots of angry Hepburn, who tries in vain to throw the whole nasty crew out of the shop.

Of course, after the film is developed, he "sees" something special in her "funny" face, and he and Thompson trick her into visiting the Quality office -- and bribe her into modeling with a free trip to Paris where she can maybe meet her intellectual idol, a "Beat" poet named Flaustra.

But It's All About the Clothes, Baby

The plot, pleasant and predictable, is merely a vehicle for dance numbers to classic songs including "S'Wonderful," "How Long Has This Been Going On," "He Loves and She Loves," and the title song.

Of course, Hepburn's favorite fashion designer, Givenchy, created all of the spectacular clothes she modeled, many of them unforgettable like a red sheath with a flowing scarf she wears while gliding down the stone steps in front of "Winged Victory" at the Louvre. Then there's that white chiffon skirt with an emerald green swing coat at the Paris Opera House, and that stylish suit and hat at the train station -- there's just too many to count!

This movie is like a trip to Paris without the long flight, and with Astaire and Hepburn as your traveling companions.

One of the Few Videos I've Purchased

It's not often that I actually spend money on a video, considering that we can record many of my favorite movies if we catch them while they're running on TMC or AMC, and without commercials.

But I had to have Funny Face in my little collection so that I can play and rewind my favorite scenes and songs as often as I want. Not only are the clothes, the settings and the music memorable, but the opening graphics sequence with film clips, negatives and light tables is one of the most classic and artistic I've ever seen.

Next time you're in the mood for a trip to Paris, go rent this movie. You'll sing and dance for the rest of the day.