Breakfast at Tiffany’s was released in 1961. Also known as “Diamants sur canapé” in France, “Bonequinha de Luxo” in Brazil, and “Pigen Holly” in Denmark, this movie has captured the hearts of millions since it first hit the big screen. You can see in this scene and this scene of Gossip Girl how Breakfast at Tiffany’s still influences today’s generation of teenagers. It is referenced in over one hundred movies and TV shows.
So how is it that my great-uncle, Armand Tokatyan, a Tenor Opera singer who performed at the Metropolitan Opera in the 1920s was immortalized in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
While preparing for her imminent trip to Rio, Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), New York socialite, learns Portuguese by listening to a record. Listen carefully as Holly says good-bye to her good friend Fred Baby (George Peppard) and you will notice that it is not a Portuguese learning lesson. They seem to be reciting a list of names, possibly to teach Portuguese pronunciation. In this short movie clip you can hear the name “Armand Tokatyan” mentioned in the background. I guess our last name sounds Portuguese!
Let’s make the world a better place!
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglass.
The Center for Innocent Children in Vietnam needs your help! By contributing to the Happy Planet Children fundraising campaign, you are making the statement that despite being abandoned by their families or orphaned, these children deserve a decent childhood, an education, and a chance at a better life. Your willingness to help makes all the difference.
Tocatlian Blog 