On 5 October 1961, Breakfast at Tiffany’s was released in theaters starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. The adaptation of a Truman Capote novel is about a high priced American geisha (for lack of a better term) Holly Golightly (Audrey in her iconic role), and her neighbor, a kept boy toy (a young Hannibal from the A-Team) in a pre Great Society New York that probably only ever existed in the minds of rich Manhattan socialites. Audrey’s part was originally meant for Marilyn Monroe but she refused to take a part that involved playing a prostitute. The crew and producers initially complained that Audrey was miscast, but I think we can agree she brought a depth and charm to the role that might have been shallow and stereotypical in Marilyn’s hands. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is another absolute classic and movie of its time. Henry Mancini’s score, as always, elevated everyone’s performance. (My father is a huge Henry Mancini fan). However it must be said that the movie is not without controversy. Breakfast at Tiffany’s can’t be shown today in polite society because the perpetually offended will not see it for what it is, but will use a few scenes as an excuse to signal their virtue. So if you are going to watch it, know your audience. In any case, as a classic of American cinema you absolutely should, tonight even, if only to see the movie that created the modern romantic comedy, a Hollywood icon, and dare I say an American icon.