One film that I had never been able to find that Audrey Hepburn appeared
in pre-fame was called either We Go to Monte Carlo or Baby Beats the Band
or by its French title Nous irons a Monte Carlo. It was originally released
in 1951 in France and 1953 in the USA. This is confusing because there were
two versions made - one in French and one in English - with only Audrey Hepburn
playing the same role in both versions because she could speak both languages
fluently. This is the French version. I watched it tonight and though Hepburn
only makes a few brief appearances - the first not till the 30 minute mark
- it is a looney enough film that it is fairly enjoyable. And it is filmed
in Monte Carlo which is a plus. Almost impossible to relay the plot, it is
about a baby and lots of screwball confusions as the baby is passed around
like a football. I would like to see the English version sometime.
It was produced by Ray Ventura, who at the time was a well-known French jazz
band leader. He is credited with helping to make jazz popular in France back
in the 1930's. He and his band also star in the film and thus there are a
few musical numbers.Though Hepburn only shows up from time to time - she
is the baby's mother and a famous actress - she was spotted in the hotel
where the film was being shot by the legendary Colette (who was also instrumental
in the writing career of Simenon) who offered her the role of Gigi on Broadway.
This led to Roman Holiday and that was that.
