'Breakfast At Tiffany's' 50th Anniversary: Audrey Hepburn's Hit Movie Released October 5, 1961

Yes, we all know Holly Golightly's radiant style is timeless -- but it's officially been 50 years since "Breakfast at Tiffany's" graced the silver screen.

A loose adaptation of Truman Capote's novella, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is perhaps best remembered for Audrey Hepburn's remarkable performance as the free-spirited cafe society girl Golightly. No doubt Golightly's look -- the little black dress paired with pearls and a cigarette holder -- continues to influence fashionistas; the character herself is said to have been a prototype for "Sex and the City" heroine Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker in the HBO series and subsequent films.

Moviefone notes that Hepburn almost didn't get the role, and had to compete against Marilyn Monroe (considered Capote's choice), Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine and Kim Novak. As for the film's enduring appeal, The Washington Post quotes "Fifth Avenue, 5 a.m.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Modern Woman” author Sam Wasson:

“Audrey's Holly showed that glamour was available to anyone, no matter what their age, sex life, or social standing. Grace Kelly's look was safe, Doris Day's was undesireable, and Elizabeth Taylor's — unless you had that body — unattainable, but in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's,' Audrey’s was democratic.”

In honor of the anniversary, take a look back at "Breakfast at Tiffany's" -- as well as four other memorable movies released 50 years ago: