Shifting gears a little bit, my next selection comes not from a stage musical but from a movie that’s not a musical at all.
‘Moon River’ is the Oscar-winning original song from Blake Edwards’ Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s performed in the film by the exquisite, iconic Audrey Hepburn though it became more popular later as performed by Danny Williams (as well as Andy Williams, and dozens of other acts… I’m partial to Frank Sinatra’s version).
But the first, and most sublime, rendition belongs to Ms. Hepburn. Propped on a window sill with her little guitar, she is the picture of elegance and sophistication.
I’m ashamed to admit that, though I saw Breakfast at Tiffany’s once years ago, I remember very little of it. I have a better recollection of Seinfeld‘s George Costanza watching the film instead of reading Truman Capote’s novel for his book club and getting caught when he doesn’t know Fred is gay.
I also have no memory of Mickey Rooney’s yellow-face portrayal of Holly’s neighbor Mr. Yunioshi, which has been widely (and rightly) criticized as racist. Amazing that something like this wouldn’t raise eyebrows until after the film was released. Different times.
I’m crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you’re going I’m going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There’s such a lot of world to see.
We’re after the same rainbow’s end–
waiting ’round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.
Meet Me In Montauk 
Okay, okay… you knew this was coming:
I, too, remember little of the actual film, though everything about Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly. I do fondly recall that episode of Seinfeld now that you mention it.
However, for me, Sex and the City perfectly captures everything about what makes this song so great.
By the way, why so quick a move away from true show tunes? Surely there are more than enough worthy ones to fill your theme week! I think you now have to give us two weeks of show/film tunes, alternating between the two each day, in the manner you have established this week.
Oh i’m in heaven. First I watch one of my all time favorite actresses in one of my favorite films and then Amy posts that great scene from Sex and the City. Thank you my children. I’m especially feeling good since this past weekend we made our plans for a long weekend in NYC next month!
Oh, and I agree, I love the Sinatra version!
Boy, these commentators are certainly getting excited and demanding. Now they want two weeks of show tunes, and you don’t even like them! I say give them a steady diet of Rufus and Fiona until they learn their place:)
As for today’s SOTD, I like all of the versions I have heard. Hard to imagine a good singer messing up such a classic wonderful song.
To test Dana’s theory, I found this version of the song, performed by Dana’s all-time favorite, Morrissey:
Well, what do you think, Dana?
How about this one?!
LOVE REM
Okay, this is just getting too cool…
Wow, leave it to Morrissey to prove me wrong…that was awful.
And what is going on with Stipe’s hair in the video? Not a good look for him.
I’m jumping in a couple days late here, but I wanted to say THANK YOU!! “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is one of my favorite movies ever (seriously, top 3) and Audrey Hepburn… well, let’s just say there are still days when I wish I could be her. The “picture of elegance and sophistication” indeed!
The song itself is so lovely and dreamy. You can almost feel yourself floating down that river while you listen. I didn’t get through all the covers, but the original is just perfect and how could you ever knock a Sinatra cover?? 🙂
NIce theme week, by the way. Definitely a little different for you.