Gigi (1958)
This film is very faithful to Colette’s original short story in both humor and spirit. It was a popular Broadway play starring Audrey Hepburn, who turned down the offer to play Gigi in this movie, so Leslie Caron played her role, and Vincente Minnelli directed it. “Gigi” became a big success, winning 9 Oscars, including best picture. Lerner and Loewe already had a big hit with “My Fair Lady” on Broadway, and were at the height of their powers when they created the classic songs and screenplay for this film.
Weary of the conventions of Parisian society, a rich playboy and a youthful courtesan-in-training enjoy a platonic friendship, but it may not stay platonic for long. Gaston, the scion of a wealthy Parisian family finds emotional refuge from the superficial lifestyle of upper class Parisian 1900s society with the former mistress of his uncle and her outgoing, tomboy granddaughter, Gigi. When Gaston becomes aware that Gigi has matured into a woman, her grandmother and aunt, who have educated Gigi to be a wealthy man’s mistress, urge the pair to act out their roles but love adds a surprise twist to this delightful turn-of-the 20th century Cinderella story.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3XoLoQE7Ig&list=HL132854432
