For those of you that don’t know, in 1957 Audrey Hepburn and husband Mel Ferrer starred in a television adaptation of the popular story Mayerling, about a prince and his ill-fated love affair. It was part of the Producers’ Showcase series, and as far as I know it was never officially released on home video to own.
I just happened to hear about this by accident, but apparently Keira Knightley has been performing in a West End production of The Children’s Hour – taking on Audrey Hepburn’s old role of Karen Wright. The show opened around the end of January and I’m not sure how much longer it will be around, but Keira has been getting mixed reviews. Mainly upbeat, though the Daily Mail says there’s still room for improvement.
You may remember that Keira was in serious talks to star in a film remake of My Fair Lady before it fell through, and that the remake is still in development. This is twice now that Keira has wanted to recreate an Audrey Hepburn film role, and her first time actually doing it. Any thoughts on her choices in this regard?
I found this late last night and wanted to sleep on my anger before sharing with you. As I’ve discussed with you before, Emma Thompson has penned the screenplay for the new adaptation of My Fair Lady, which has been in pre-production for a couple of years now. Nothing is moving forward, and while out promoting her new Nanny McPhee film I suppose Emma wanted to remind everyone that she has a film waiting to be made, and the best way to get attention would be to slag on Audrey. Yes, Emma Thompson trash talks Audrey Hepburn.
Many years ago, I visited the offices of The Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund and saw a beautiful video about Audrey’s work with UNICEF. It was introduced by Gregory Peck and I remember he read one of Audrey’s favourite poems by Rabindranath Tagore. It’s been a long time and I haven’t ever been able to find a copy of the video, but luckily a film company found me.
To be totally honest with you, the news is that there isn’t really any news. I mean, the gossip world is still abuzz about remaking My Fair Lady – I guess they really want it to happen – and places from wee celebrity gossip sites to The Guardian are feeding the flames with their “inside news,” but after doing some digging, I can only tell you what’s not happening.
Keira Knightley is not playing Eliza Doolittle.
Events, Films, stage adaptations, theatre
I blame this on being out of the country and away from computers when the story was confirmed, but have you all heard about the stage production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s now on in London? It previewed at the end of September and is now running at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until the end of January 2010. Interesting…
Does anyone have any inclination to see it?
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. 
Events, exhibit, Films, screening
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.
While I still haven’t heard anything set in stone and announced officially, it seems to be a widely assumed fact that Keira Knightley is signed to play Eliza Doolittle in the upcoming film remake of My Fair Lady. Information is still scarce, and no other cast has been announced (though wildly speculated on), but now IMDb has a development page up for the film, with a release date of 2010. You have to have a Pro account to see any details, and I don’t really feel like paying to get one piece of information, but Keira’s page also has one developing project on it, which I’m betting is MFL.
Did anyone catch the Simpsons last night? I usually don’t watch TV of my own accord, but I was over at my sister’s when it was on, and I’m so glad. The whole episode was an homage to Two For the Road! One of my absolute favourite Audrey films, so beautiful. While they didn’t get the rights to the film’s music, the soundtrack on the show was very Mancini, and very true to the feel of the film.
Kay: I think Audrey would stay away from tabloids, or h...
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