The Hope College Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland will feature four classic Audrey Hepburn films through the “One Night Only” film series running on four Mondays in July and August at 7:30 p.m.
The series centers on four of Hepburn’s most successful performances with “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on Monday, July 20; “Roman Holiday” on Monday, July 27; “Funny Face” on Monday, Aug. 3; and “Sabrina” on Monday, Aug. 10.
Hepburn grew up in Belgium and England, and was in the German-occupied Netherlands during the Second World War, during which she worked as a courier and helped raise funds for the Dutch resistance. Trained in ballet, she appeared in British films and Broadway before playing the lead role in “Roman Holiday,” where she became the first actress to win an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for a single performance. In that same year, she also won a Tony award for her stage work. She is one of a handful of performers to have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards in a career. She dedicated much of her later life to humanitarian causes.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” features Hepburn as Holly Golightly and George Peppard as Paul Varjak. Released in 1961, the film is set in New York City. Peppard plays a struggling writer who becomes fascinated by Holly’s lifestyle. Dismayed by money, strange acquaintances, and the city life, the two are unexpectedly caught in love with one another. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” won multiple Oscar Awards, and the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.
“Roman Holiday,” released in 1953, stars Hepburn as Princess Ann and Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley. Amongst royalty, Ann is bored and sheltered from the world. Joe Bradley, a reporter, finds Ann collapsed in Rome due to a sedative from her doctor, and takes her to his place for safety. Once he discovers she is the princess, Joe figures he can get an exclusive interview without her knowing. As the day progresses, Joe and Ann start to fall for each other.
“Funny Face” features Hepburn as Jo Stockton and Fred Astaire as Dick Avery. Released in 1957, the film follows Dick Avery, a fashion photographer, as he photographs talented models. At one of his photo sessions, he discovers Jo and her unique look. She is offered a modeling contract along with a trip to Paris. While Jo is being photographed around the city with her handsome photographer, the relationship becomes more than just professional.
“Sabrina” is a romance featuring Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild, Humphrey Bogart as Linus Larrabee and William Holden as David Larrabee. Released in 1954, the film centers on Sabrina, the chauffeur’s daughter, and the two Larrabee brothers from a wealthy family. Sabrina has caught David’s eye, but he is about to get married to seal a company merger. To save the company and the marriage, Linus intervenes to charm Sabrina, only to find himself falling for her as well.
Tickets are $4 for regular admission for each film. They will be available at the door and are also on sale in advance at the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The ticket office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (616) 395-7890.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. Eighth St.