Audrey Hepburn Test (1952) - extract

Very rarely seen silent colour footage of the future Holly Golightly. These are probably the earliest colour pictures of Audrey Hepburn. The actress is shown here in different situations, playing an assistant in a draper's shop. Although she had already appeared in a small number of films, these tests were taken before she went to Hollywood and rocketed to fame in 'Roman Holiday'. Hepburn's personality shines through, even though we cannot hear her voice.

The film was taken with Dufaychrome film stock, a British attempt at a Technicolor-like process, which gives these scenes an unusual sheen. The film for which these test takes were shot would never be made - perhaps the world was not ready to see the future icon looking a bit green. (Sonia Genaitay)

Calling all lip-readers! If you can read Audrey Hepburn's lips please let us know. We'd love to know what she's saying.

You can view all 5 mins of this film test at the Mediatheque at BFI Southbank - http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/mediatheque

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• BFI
• Audrey
• Hepburn

[fj78280]

Are you sure of the date (1952)?

Because this video represents excerpts from the movie "Young Wives's Tale", which was released in 1951.

[BFIfilms]

Thanks for your message. This scene doesn't feature in the BFI's print of 'Young Wives' Tale' and the feature film itself was shot in black and white. The assumed date of the test is 1952 given that this date appears on the clapperboad in certain sequences.

[Carl6231]

What a great film clip of Audrey! She was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful woman this world has ever known. We will never forget her.

[Greatest1942]

Audrey Hepburn is being herself in this screen test, and that's why she is very lovely and charming. Audrey Hepburn is undoubtedly the most beautiful and charming woman that has ever lived on Earth. Honestly, I'm attracted to her, and I'm obsessed with her beauty, charmingness, charisma, appearance.....her voice, her accent, her smile, and her femininity.............

[partygirl209]

she's a true legend!!

[camilovesyou13]

@islabonita73 LOL Her curves are fake :) Unlike Audrey

[PlayIt4MeAgainSam]

I adore these whimsical outtakes of Audrey onset… It’s great outtake footage.

[SyNMeL]

Gave my best shot ..These are Audrey Hepburn's dialogues in my eye's opinion

Ah.. right! Ma'am how much? So many? .. Yes Ma'am

Now I'm going to Yes Ma'am .....Blue Piece .... Or this .. Do you want these?... Oh you're right Ma'am...*Embarrassed* I'm sorry... *Serious look* I wish *name* had a wife.

:D

[MrStablelad]

I think you have the wrong date on that video.

Maybe i should say you have the date wrong

It maybe the oldest ? but im sure that date is wrong.

There is 1 of Audrey with Madame Collette. For the role of gigi

[OCUBOX]

Maybe use a higher quality video where we can actually see the mouth move? :)

[g8jbd]

Dufaychrome was developed in the 1940s by Jack Coote. It was originally known as British Triolour.

[Xenophage1987]

thanks for uploading this :)

[Xenophage1987]

pamela anderson is fake