don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone

I feel so terrible that I haven't already done this, but I feel like I must pay tribute to the late, great Blake Edwards. Blake died on December 15th of this year, which was also my birthday. I told you that my birthday is always terrible - this year being no different, as one of my favorite directors passed away on the day.
Blake Edwards began his career in the film industry in the 1940s as an actor. He was a great writer and soon shifted from acting to behind the screen, writing scripts for radio productions at Columbia Pictures. He was largely known for his successes in producing and directing films. Edwards was at the helm of so many great films: Operation Petticoat, the Cary Grant-Tony Curtis submarine romp, marking Edwards' turn as a big-budget director; The Great Race, starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood; Days of Wine and Roses, also starring Jack Lemmon, alongside Lee Remick as an unhappy alcoholic married couple; the Pink Panther films series with his good friend Peter Sellers. He was known for his comedic films, best perhaps are the Pink Panther films for they show off his penchant for slapstick comedic styles inspired by Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel and Hardy. Perhaps my favorite films by Edwards are Victor/Victoria, and Breakfast at Tiffany's (quelle surprise, I know). Edwards lends a magical quality to his films, they seem so carefree and loosely flowing, yet each frame is so meticulously styled that any frame could be pulled and put into an editorial for a fashion magazine.
Victor/Victoria is one of several films that Blake made starring his wife of 41 years, Julie Andrews. The duo, whose marriage lasted from 1969 until his death, made films V/V, Darling Lili, 10, The Tamarind Seed, The Man Who Loved Women, among others, as well as had five children (two from Edwards' first marriage, the third child from Andrews' previous marriage, and the last two children were adopted).
Blake Edwards is an invaluable member of cinematic history; his work was recognized by the Academy in 2004 when he was awarded an Honorary Academy Award for his achievements. His work leaves an indelible mark on the film industry, and he will be missed terribly by family, friends, and fans worldwide.

James Garner and Julie Andrews in Victor/ Victoria

The closing shot of Breakfast at Tiffany's, with George Peppard, Audrey Hepburn and "Cat"

Tony Curtis puts the moves on Dina Merrill in Operation Petticoat

The gorgeous Claudia Cardinale in The Pink Panther

Title: from"Big Yellow Taxi"(Joni Mitchell)