A Funny Face as Beautiful as a Tree

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Apr 9, 1999

A funny face, maybe to some, but definitely one that is beautiful and unforgettable. Audrey Hepburn gave extraordinary performances in many remarkable films. "Funny Face" was one of these memorable films in which Hepburn plays Jo Stockton. Her character is a smart young woman who works in a bookstore, hoping to study in Paris someday. Then along comes a photographer, Dick Avery, who convinces her to become a model when he tells her the photo shoots are in Paris. While there, Jo Stockton becomes a little less bookish, transforms into a swan, and falls in love.

"Funny Face" was somewhat unique for Hepburn because she was able to use her dancing skills. She was both a dancer and a model before being wooed into the film industry.

Besides the well-known and loved songs, "How Long Has This Been Going On" and "Funny Face," the movie brought timeless images, scenes, and moments:

Maggie: The great American woman who stands out there naked, waiting for me to tell her what to wear. It doesn't speak, and if it won't speak to me it won't speak to anyone. A magazine must be like a human being: if it comes into the home, it must contribute. It can't just lie around. A magazine must have blood and brains and pizzazz. This is just paper, and if I send paper to the American woman I will have let her down.

Maggie: Well look at her [Holds a magnifying glass over one of the images]. I think her face is perfectly funny. The Quality Woman must have grace, elegance, and pizzazz.

Dick: This is the first time I've ever seen you lack imagination. Every girl on every page of Quality has grace, elegance, and pizzazz; now what's wrong with bringing out a girl who has [Pointing at each picture] character, spirit, and intelligence.

Dovitch: That certainly would be novel in a fashion magazine.

Dick: Sir, I owe you a drink.

Jo: Trees are beautiful. Why don't you photograph trees?

Dick: I do what I do for a living; it has to do with supply and demand. You'd be amazed how small the demand is for pictures of trees. My work is very pleasant, the pay is excellent, and I get a trip to Paris every year.

Later...

Jo: [Looking at a picture of herself] How can you possibly make a model out of that? You can't be serious.

Dick: When I get through with you, you'll look like - what do you call beautiful...? A tree. You'll look like a tree.

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