The first film adaptation of Gigi, released in 1948, was written by Pierre Larouche, with dialogue by Colette.

Several characters are added, and the plot is expanded to contain more of Gaston's life and activities (his relations with other girls constitute a subplot). The film was quite popular. In 1951, Anita Loos adapted the story for the stage, with Audrey Hepburn in the title role — she had, in effect, been chosen by Colette, as related in the famous incident in which Colette saw the young actress rehearsing for a minor role in a film in Monte Carlo and said, "There is our Gigi for America." The play was a triumph.

Colette reached a worldwide audience in a scope she had never attained before with the 1958 American film adaptation of Gigi. With music by Frederic Loewe and lyrics and script by Alan Jay Lerner, the movie, directed by Vincente Minelli...