Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Holly Golightly’s World

Set in early 1960s New York, Breakfast at Tiffany’s introduces us to Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), a charming, mysterious socialite who lives a glamorous yet precarious life. She spends her time mingling with wealthy men, attending parties, and keeping her true self hidden under layers of style and wit. Her apartment is shabby, but her image is radiant—a contrast that captures her inner conflict.

Paul Varjak Enters the Scene

Holly’s world shifts when she meets Paul Varjak (George Peppard), a struggling writer who moves into her building. Paul, financially supported by a wealthy older woman, immediately becomes intrigued by Holly’s eccentric lifestyle. Their early interactions highlight Holly’s whimsical personality, but also her carefully constructed detachment from serious relationships.

Holly’s Double Life

As Paul grows closer, he begins to see beyond Holly’s charming facade. She avoids emotional attachment, insisting that she is a “wild thing” who doesn’t belong to anyone. Holly dreams of marrying rich, chasing stability through wealthy suitors, and fantasizes about a life where money can protect her from the chaos of her past.

The Past Returns

Holly’s carefully built life unravels when her estranged husband, Doc Golightly (Buddy Ebsen), arrives, revealing that Holly was once a married teenager in Texas. She fled that life, remaking herself in New York. This revelation cracks her image, showing the vulnerability she’s been hiding.

Trouble with the Law

Holly’s entanglements with questionable associates catch up with her, leading to her arrest for alleged connections with mobster Sally Tomato. Though she avoids serious charges, her reputation suffers. Paul continues to stand by her, proving his loyalty despite her attempts to push him away.

Movie Ending

In the final act, Holly plans to leave New York and pursue a wealthy suitor in Brazil, insisting she cannot afford love with Paul. On the way to the airport, Paul confronts her in a cab during a rainstorm. He delivers a passionate speech, urging her to stop running from her true self and stop treating love like a cage. Holly, defensive and stubborn, tries to dismiss him, but his words resonate deeply.

In one of cinema’s most iconic endings, Holly releases her cat—symbolizing her refusal to belong to anyone. Yet, in the pouring rain, she reconsiders. She searches desperately for the cat, finding it huddled in an alley. With tears in her eyes, she picks it up, symbolizing her acceptance of love and responsibility. Paul embraces her, and the film closes on their kiss, leaving audiences hopeful that Holly has finally found both love and herself.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Breakfast at Tiffany’s does not have post-credits scenes. The film ends with Holly and Paul’s kiss, and the credits roll without any additional footage.

Type of Movie

The film is a romantic comedy-drama, blending witty humor, romance, and emotional depth. It is often categorized as a classic Hollywood romance with elements of social satire.

Cast

• Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly
• George Peppard as Paul Varjak
• Patricia Neal as 2E Failenson
• Buddy Ebsen as Doc Golightly
• Mickey Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi
• Martin Balsam as O.J. Berman

Film Music and Composer

The film’s iconic music was composed by Henry Mancini, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Its most famous song, “Moon River” (sung by Hepburn in the film), won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became one of the most recognizable songs in cinema history. Mancini’s score also won an Oscar.

Filming Locations

• New York City, USA: Most of the film was shot on location, adding authenticity to the urban setting. Tiffany & Co.’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue is prominently featured in the opening scene, cementing its cultural significance.
• Paramount Studios, Hollywood: Indoor sequences and apartment scenes were filmed on studio sets.

These choices blended real-world glamour with controlled studio artistry, balancing authenticity and cinematic polish.

Awards and Nominations

• Won: Academy Award for Best Original Score (Henry Mancini)
• Won: Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Moon River”)
• Nominated: Academy Award for Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn)
• Nominated: Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay
• Nominated: Academy Award for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Truman Capote, who wrote the novella, wanted Marilyn Monroe for Holly. The studio chose Audrey Hepburn, creating one of her most famous roles.
• Hepburn initially didn’t want to sing “Moon River”; she claimed she wasn’t a singer. Mancini and Mercer tailored the song to her limited vocal range.
• Hepburn’s black Givenchy dress in the opening scene became a fashion icon and one of the most famous film costumes ever.
• Mickey Rooney’s portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi has since been criticized for its racist caricature, sparking discussions about representation in film.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on Truman Capote’s novella “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1958). However, the movie softened Holly’s character, turning her into a more romantic and likable figure, while Capote’s version was edgier, darker, and more ambiguous.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The book ends with Holly leaving New York without a romantic resolution. The film changed this significantly, giving audiences a traditional romantic finale. No widely known alternate endings or deleted scenes were ever officially released.

Book Adaptations and Differences

• Novella Holly: More complex, morally ambiguous, and less domesticated.
• Film Holly: Romanticized, glamorous, and softened for audiences.
• Ending: The novella leaves Holly’s fate uncertain, while the movie closes with her choosing love.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Holly eating a croissant while gazing into Tiffany’s window in the opening scene.
• Holly strumming a guitar and softly singing “Moon River.”
• The wild party in Holly’s apartment, filled with eccentric guests.
• Holly and Paul’s final kiss in the rain with the cat.

Iconic Quotes

• “People do fall in love. People do belong to each other. Because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness.”
• “You call yourself a free spirit, a wild thing. And you’re terrified somebody’s gonna stick you in a cage. Well baby, you’re already in that cage. You built it yourself.”
• “Nothing very bad could happen to you there.” (Holly about Tiffany’s)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Holly’s cat is deliberately unnamed, symbolizing her refusal to form attachments.
• Tiffany’s featured its storefront for the first time in a movie, helping to cement its image as a symbol of luxury.
• The movie carefully balances glamour and grit—Holly’s glamorous wardrobe contrasts sharply with her messy, nearly empty apartment.

Trivia

• The black Givenchy dress worn by Hepburn sold for over $900,000 at auction.
• The famous opening scene with Hepburn eating a pastry was filmed early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Truman Capote disliked the film adaptation, claiming it strayed too far from his novella.
• Audrey Hepburn considered Holly one of her most difficult roles, as it contrasted with her own personality.

Why Watch?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is worth watching for its iconic fashion, unforgettable music, and timeless exploration of love and identity. It’s more than a romance—it’s a snapshot of 1960s New York glamour, infused with emotional depth and cultural influence.

Director’s Other Movies

• Roman Holiday (1953)
• The Pink Panther (1963)
• The Party (1968)
• Victor/Victoria (1982)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Roman Holiday (1953)
• Sabrina (1954)
• Charade (1963)
• My Fair Lady (1964)
• The Apartment (1960)
• An Affair to Remember (1957)