#robert matzen

Arguably the most recognizable UNICEF photo of Audrey was captured by John Isaac in Ethiopia. She even based a drawing on it for a charity auction. The drawing is much more somber in comparison. 

In stories of doomed World War II gallantry, little is as romanticized as Operation Market Garden. A technical failure by the Allied Powers to defeat the Nazis in 1944, this invasion of the Netherlands left British paratroopers stranded around a bridge in Arnhem, far too removed from their tanks to hold the line. Nevertheless, the bravery of those Airborne “Red Devils” has lived on in pop culture, as have the Dutch resistance fighters who sheltered them. What hasbeen largely forgotten is that among those courageous souls was… a teenaged Audrey Hepburn? For about a week, in fact, the future movie star kept a Red Devil hidden in the cellar...

“I’ve been constantly in situations in my life and career where I’ve had no technique, but if you just feel enough, you will get away with murder.” 

We’re so honored to welcome a very special guest —Audrey’s son, Luca Dotti, author of the New York Times bestsellers Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother’s Kitchen and Audrey in Rome. “I’m touched and delighted that so many writers are celebrating my mother’s 90th birthday,” he told us. “I look forward to reading the variety of topics on her films and her life which are covered here.” Luca also wrote the moving and insightful foreword to Robert Matzen’s brand-new book, Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn in World War II, an incredible story beautifully told—which will leave you even more in awe of Audrey.

And three lucky blogathon participants will win a copy of that book!

During the blogathon, we’re hoping to capture many aspects of Audrey’s remarkable life. You can focus on a movie or any other facet of her career, philanthropic work, style, or her early years and near-miraculous survival under the Nazis… whatever touches you the most.

And if you’ve already written about Audrey, you’re welcome to enter that post as well.

  Please join us in honoring this extraordinary woman. You still have time to enter, but hurry!

At the bottom of your story, please post one of the banners below and link to this post, saying something along the lines of: This piece is included in Audrey at 90: The Salute to Audrey Hepburn Blogathon, sponsored by Sister Celluloid. To see the rest of the posts, just click here.

  Belgian-born actress Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993) on the terrace of the Restaurant Hammetschwand at the summit of the Bürgenstock, Switzerland, circa 1955. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

I’ll be writing about Robert Matzen’s wonderful book, and he’ll be sharing his insights into what it was like to spend so much time “with” Audrey, compared with his other fascinating subjects, including James Stewart, Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn and Carole Lombard.

The blogathon will run from May 4 to May 7. You are welcome to post your entry any time between now and May 7; just send the link in the comments section and we’ll include a live link to it in the roster below.

Here’s the list so far:

Sister Celluloid: Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and WWII Robert Matzen: Spending time “with” Audrey as a subject, compared with other stars Caftan Woman: Charade Maddy Loves Her Classic Films: A Tribute to Audrey Cinema Cities: Audrey’s five Oscar-nominated performances Cinematic Scribblings: Two for the Road Moon in Gemini: The Nun’s Story Thoughts All Sorts: Roman Holiday Realweegiemidget Reviews: Robin and Marian Three Enchanting Ladies: Funny Face The Stop Button: Secret People The Story Enthusiast: Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn by Donald Spoto The Pale Writer: Audrey’s early career and How to Steal a Million Love Letters to Old Hollywood: Love in the Afternoon Champagne for Lunch: The Nun’s Story and Robin and Marian The Midnite Drive-In: The Children’s Hour The Film Catchup: Breakfast at Tiffany’s In the Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood: Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother’s Kitchen, by Luca Dotti Poppity Talks Classic Film: The Unforgiven Diary of a Movie Maniac: Bloodline and Love Among Thieves Critica Retro: Paris When It Sizzles MovieMovie logBlog: My Fair Lady 

Please request your topics in the comments section. I can’t wait to hear from you!

"There are hundreds of books about my mother and each in its own way tries to solve a piece of the 'Audrey puzzle.' Some are instant classics while others are merely exploitative, and until now none has focused on what she considered her 'most important career' — her fight for children in need in what she called the Developing World, often in war zones.

"The stories she brought back home and shared with us were chilling but always sugarcoated until Warrior totally challenged my perspective. Mum was more than a steel-butterfly; she was a battle-hardened badass, and Warrior: Audrey Hepburn finally tells that story."

Robert Matzen’s Dutch Girl is among my top favorite movie star biographies. It goes over Audrey Hepburn’s experiences during WWII and how that shaped her later in life. It’s a great read.

5/5 stars

Recommended for people who like: biographies, Audrey Hepburn, Dutch Girl, humanitarian work, UNICEF, Robert Matzen Dutch Girl review here