Oh, what I love more than anything: a new book on Audrey! Well, a new book on the production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to be precise, but you absolutely cannot talk about Tiffany’s without talking about Audrey Hepburn. It’s physically impossible, try it.

Anyway, the book is called Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman, and delves into everything from filming to the adaptation from wandering novella to sparkling screenplay, to Audrey’s impact on fashion and the formation of the modern woman. It looks to be a great read

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Got some cool news for my fellow Angelinos last night! Sorry I waited until today to post it, but my Internet’s been wonky and I don’t trust posting here via my phone. Anyway, beginning tonight LACMA is hosting an Audrey Hepburn marathon entitled “Audrey Hepburn: Then, Now and Forever.” It will run until November 13 and features some Hepburn films rarely shown on the big screen, along with special guest speakers.

Tonight, starting at 7:30 there will be a double feature of Roman Holiday and They All Laughed with an introduction by director Peter Bogdanovich (who directed Audrey in Laughed). Tomorrow, Saturday, is another double feature with Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Two For the Road, with an introduction by William Daniels, a co-star from Road.

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Time for summer film screenings in the park! I love this part of summer. This morning I went over to Facebook, the only way I know what’s going on with any of my friends, and found an update from Cinespia, the group that does the film screenings in the Hollywood Forever cemetery. They just posted their June schedule, and it’s always a good sign when they put a picture of Audrey next to their post.

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This past Friday I was lucky enough to finally see My Fair Lady on the big screen. The Academy (you know, the ones who hand out the Oscars) was holding a special 70mm screening of the restored original print, and apparently the 70mm version hasn’t been screened since the film was first released 45 years ago. After seeing it for myself, I have to say it’s downright tragic. The colours were fantastic, especially the flower segments during the opening credits, and I could just see so much more than I ever have before. You could actually read the elocution cards tacked all over Eliza’s bedroom walls, and the more subtle facial expressions were just divine. The mix of emotions that came over Rex Harrison’s face in that final scene was incredible. It actually brought tears to my eyes.

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I know it’s short notice, but for all you Southern California Audrey fans, tonight in Pasadena there will be a free screening of Roman Holiday at 8:30 pm. It’s at One Colorado Courtyard, Hugus Alley as part of the Old Pasadena Film Festival. Sounds fun! I’m sorry for the late notice, but I couldn’t get on here any sooner to give you warning (stoopid Internet). And if you can make it, be sure to thank the lovely Libby for being thoughtful enough to share this with all of us. Parking is a flat rate of $6 in the nearby parking structure (more info here), and there are plenty of restaurants around you if you need a little nibble before or after the show. Oh, and you may want to get there early, because there are a lot more Audrey fans out here than you think! Enjoy if you can go, but if you live too far away or just can’t make it, don’t fret; just pop in the movie at home, make some popcorn, and curl up on your own comfy couch. Besides, you can pause if you need a bathroom break.

If you are in the Madison, Wisconsin area or will be in December, then you might want to drop in the Westgate Art Cinemas. They’ll be playing an Audrey Hepburn double feature there for a week, with Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday, two of Audrey’s most beloved films. No specific dates are up yet, but you can check back near the end of November and even order tickets online. You can also read more about Westgate’s Great Performances series here if you’d like.

Designs of Hope, a specialized set of fundraisers that take place across America to benefit UNICEF, has come in ahead of schedule in their goal to raise $5 million for orphans with AIDS in five years. This year they held a series of galas which featured the finest in food and fashion, finishing on a high note in Houston, Texas, with a fashion tribute to Audrey Hepburn. Honored at the June 8 event was actress Jane Seymour, for her ongoing humanitarian efforts, and the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund, for their work with women and children affected by AIDS. There was an Audrey-inspired fashion show, as well. You can read more about the Designs of Hope events here, since this was sadly their last year.

So . . . what are you doing tomorrow? If you’re in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend heading down to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and catching Roman Holiday on the side of a mausoleum. It may sound a little creepy to you, but have you ever been to a film screening in a cemetery? More importantly, have you been to a film at Hollywood Forever? It’s amazing, to put it simply. If you can, please go! Though I highly recommend getting there early, as the line forms quickly and they do allow only a certain number of people in to a screening. Tickets are $10 and only available on entry, and you’re highly recommended to bring a picnic blanket and some good food to go with your great movie.

Aspiring to be mistaken for the one and only Audrey Hepburn, but don’t want to put any effort into it? Or maybe you just really want to advertise your love for Holly Golightly? Either way, if you’re interested in wearing Audrey’s head on your head, then the Audrey Hepburn Hoodie may be right for you. It’s made exclusively through Headhoods, and is printed on American Apparel wear, so it’s sweatshop-free and American-made.

Here’s an extra little bonus for the Texan Audrey fans lurking about: The Austinist is having a ticket giveaway contest for this weekend’s Audrey double feature at the Paramount Theatre! You can read more about the double feature (featuring Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face) here, and enter to win tickets at the bottom of the page, directly under the Funny Face description. As an added bonus, the Breakfast trailer they have posted on the page was uploaded by yours truly.

The Castro Theatre in San Francisco started 2007 out right with an Audrey Hepburn double feature, and it’s continuing what it started by having yet another back-to-back Audrey double feature in July. This time they’re screening Funny Face and My Fair Lady (along with The Wizard of Oz) as part of a triple feature called “Classic Musical Fashion.” All three films will be preceded by special guest hosts, and audience members are encouraged to dress up!

Funny Face will be introduced by Jim Van Buskirk, who is labeled as a Hepburn Expert on the Castro’s website and most definitely a film expert.

My Fair Lady will be co-hosted by Jan Wahl and Donna Sachet, and there will be a Night of the Fabulous Hat competition. So dust off your flying saucer hat and glue some false flowers on and enter yourself in the competition! Stay for the film while you’re at it.

Magically enough, admission to all three of these films is just $12.50 for adults, $8 for children. If you’re planning on being in the Bay area around July 29, definitely book yourself some tickets! And if you haven’t any plans, maybe you should consider a little trip to San Francisco. The fun starts at 1pm with Wizard of Oz, then a quick break before Funny Face starts at 4, and My Fair Lady kicks in at 7. It sounds like it will be loads of fun and a great way to introduce some friends to the magic that is Audrey Hepburn films.

P.S. Again, apologies for the sporadic updates. An ongoing computer problem has been fixed, and hopefully that will mean business as usual for all of us.