One of those films that no one actually watches

Popular approach these days.

Like any intelligent person, the OP is making a sweeping generalization about all people based on their own behavior and/or opinion.

Considering that this film has a 7.7 rating, which is quite high for IMDb, there's the possibility that people REALLY watch it, embrace it, rewatch it and share it.

Speaking only for myself, of course, I love that this film follows the lives of two people who are trying to find their way. They each get a taste of what life could be if they can get ahead like other people do. They thought they specifically needed to lean on people who had financial means, but learned that those people generally only cared about themselves (O.J. Berman being one of the exceptions). The two people grow to love each other and discover that it may be better to lean on one another rather than people who don't have their best interests at heart.

I agree that it is a very iconic film and that Audrey's image has become iconic because of it. However I consider this a true classic. It's a great film. Sure it is very different than the source material but its still a great movie.

I have watched it so many times I don't even keep count anymore. It's one of those movies you watch and can actually enjoy it like its the first time you have watched it, it never gets dull. At least for me.

Also generations of people have watched the movie since the film first was made in 61. That was not exactly a couple of years ago.

Barbara Stanwyck and I used to ride the trolley! ~Andrea Zuckerman