Tags
1950's, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert, Gregory Peck, Roman Holiday, Romantic Comedy, William Wyler
Film Title
Roman Holiday
Director
William Wyler
Starring
- Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann
- Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley
- Eddie Albert as Irving Radovich
A beautifully charming, amusing yet bittersweet romantic comedy, Roman Holiday is a glorious and magical movie that weaves its charm on you from start to finish. With a career making role for the wonderful Audrey Hepburn and lovely chemistry with co-star Gregory Peck, this is a romantic comedy of a golden standard that they just don’t make like this anymore.
The plot revolves around the young Princess Ann, who is heir to the throne of an unspecified European country. She is on a tour of Europe and the latest exhausting trip has taken her to Rome. But beneath the courteous bows and wide smile, the young Ann desires freedom from stifling regulations and wants to live a life where she isn’t told what to do or where to go. One night and on the spur of the moment, she sneaks away from her royal life and ventures into the Eternal City. Unfortunately she become dazed due to being given a sedative by her doctor earlier in the night to calm her stress, and she falls asleep on a bench. She is found by American reporter Joe Bradley, who not recognizing who she is, takes her back to his apartment so she can rest as he believes that she is merely drunk. The next morning, Joe discovers thanks to his friends at the newspaper that the woman in his apartment is in fact the Princess, whose chaperons have said that she has been taken ill in order to avoid a scandal as they search for the runaway princess. Joe sees the opportunity to get a story from Ann that could fetch in a lot of money. With the help of photographer friend Irving, he charms Ann by concealing his job and takes her on a days long adventure around the wonderful city. Yet while in the beginning he intended to just get a story from the yearning princess, his heart stops him in his tracks as he falls for the beautiful Ann and reconsiders his actions. The incognito Ann also questions herself as she herself grows enamored with Joe, despite knowing that her adventure can only last for a day.
The masterful William Wyler directs Roman Holiday with a sublime elegance and a certain magic that captures the beauty of the city and the sweet but very touching romance. The way he shoots the Rome locations as a graceful attraction unfolds is a marvel to behold and features some stunning shots of the iconic city. He keeps the humorous escapades in check as well as highlighting a bittersweet undertone due to the fact that Ann and Joe are from different backgrounds and the chance of accepted romance( despite the obvious attraction that slowly grows )coming into fruition is unlikely. There is romance here, but it’s more subtle and tender rather than going overboard on overblown tragedy. It’s all superbly handled and makes the relationship between the two engaging and sublime and it certainly adds to the magical impact of the film that Hepburn and Peck work so beautifully together. In essence, Roman Holiday is a reversal of the Cinderella formula, with the luminous Ann wanting to escape her rich lifestyle and find the freedom that she craves. This subversion is a welcome change and adds to the smart script that rings true with its message of wanting to be free from constraints and wanting to live ones life as one chooses. A delightfully wistful and sweeping score gives voice to the burgeoning romance and freedom that is so yearned for as the magical 24 hours shared by Ann and Joe pass.
This was the movie that launched the young Audrey Hepburn into cinematic royalty, won her a well-deserved Oscar and it’s not hard to see why. Hepburn is beguiling, graceful and moving in her delivery as Princess Ann, imbuing her with a sympathy and charm to spare as she escapes protocol and lives life to her heart’s content for a day. You can’t take your eyes off Hepburn when she’s on screen because of how radiant and graceful she is. This is a true star making role of captivating beauty if ever there was one. She is ably supported by Gregory Peck as the opportunistic journalist Joe whose desire to get a story soon withers as he grows to understand and love the sheltered princess. In the hands of a lesser actor, the role of Joe could have become a real slime ball. But with Gregory Peck in the part, there is a decency there and he exudes more emotion with a glance than some actors can with huge lines of dialogue. Hepburn and Peck have a sterling amount of tender chemistry with one another and it shows so much on the screen. Eddie Albert is very funny as the photographer Irving, who is embroiled in events a little befuddled by what is going on.
Funny yet very touching, Roman Holiday is one of those movies that has not lost any of its nostalgic or romantic impact over the years and remains thoroughly beguiling and sublime.
Paul S said:
Wonderfully wordsmithed, Vinnie. A gem of a review.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Paul, I was running out of adjectives trying to describe this lovely movie.
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nuwansenfilmsen said:
My all time favourite movie!! To me it’s more of a great love-story, a tear-jerking tragic romance, with the essence of a Romantic comedy.
Love the way you called it a “a reversal of the Cinderella formula”.
Beautifully written. And I agree Peck exudes more emotion with a glance, than many other do so with dialogues.
My all time Favourite Movie : Roman Holiday
My all time Favourite Actress: Audrey Hepburn
❤
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. For all the comedy here, you are right that it has a sense of melancholy to it. It really was an enchanting movie.
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dbmoviesblog said:
Great review. I love this movie. I never thought that Peck and Hepburn’s screen chemistry could be that good. I mean there he was in “Spellbound” with Bergman and in “Designing Woman” with Bacall but here it simply somehow more touching.
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vinnieh said:
I find their chemistry to be so natural and tender, and not in the least bit forced.
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beetleypete said:
An excellent review mate. This film is a delight, if only for the wonderful touristic scenery, but it offers so much more. Hepburn’s performance is very good, and the script is suitably bright and breezy too. There are memorable scenes, and some nice set pieces. They certainly don’t make them like this anymore.
Cheers mate. Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Having been to Rome many times before, it really was wonderful seeing the locations and landmarks that gave me a sense of nostalgia. Hepburn was so graceful and radiant, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is one of my favorites! Beautifully written review Vinnie. You really did the movie justice. I hope Santa was good to you yesterday.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a really sweet and sublime movie, thoroughly charming. I’m glad you think that I did the movie justice Kim, it makes me happy. Santa was indeed generous.
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vinnieh said:
Did you see my trivia post Kim?
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Bulldog Travels said:
Just watched this movie yesterday and it was divine. What a treat it must have been to see Rome on the big screen back then?
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vinnieh said:
I know, it looked magnificent. And as I’ve been to Rome myself, it was wonderful to see all those famous locations again.
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Bulldog Travels said:
Especially from a long time ago!
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vinnieh said:
IT looked so classy and chic. By the way, did you see my new trivia feature?
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Bulldog Travels said:
No I didn’t. I will have to check that out.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks.
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fragglerocking said:
I need to do Rome. Great review Vinny, I must have seen this back in the day but don’t remember doing so, will look out for it on the movie channels.
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vinnieh said:
Oh this is a really lovely and sublime movie that is wholly enjoyable.
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markmc2012 said:
I have to admit that I own this, but I have never watched it.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a must see movie.
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markmc2012 said:
I have it in my “to watch soon” pile.
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vinnieh said:
You’ll really enjoy it I’m sure.
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alexraphael said:
This might well be my favourite review of yours. Even more than ever you’ve captured why this film is just special. I don’t know why they can’t make more films as good as this as it looks so effortless. But I guess that#s part of its charm. I actually got a classy film poster of Hepburn for my sister for Christmas this year.
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vinnieh said:
That is high praise indeed, thank you so much Alex. I just tried to explain why this film was such a delight.
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alexraphael said:
I can’t call it a feel-good film because of the ending, but it certainly is one of the most charming and romantic films I’ve ever seen.
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vinnieh said:
The bittersweet tone to the ending surprised me but it was very poignant and suited the film.
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Sabine said:
Sounds like a wonderfully romantic movie with a touch of bittersweet. Two actors with classic Hollywood glamour starring – almost a must see especially round this time of year! Thanks for such a well written review!
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vinnieh said:
You summed it up very well, definitely check it out. Thanks for commenting.
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Sabine said:
totally my pleasure!
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vinnieh said:
I hope you enjoy the rest of my blog, but a quick warning some of it can be a bit naughty.
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Tom said:
You old romantic, you. 😉
Seriously though, I finally figured it out: This is the movie Owen Wilson was watching in a scene from You, Me & Dupree. Not sure if you’ve seen that movie (not an important one at all, mind you), but in it he is totally in love with the charms of Audrey Hepburn. Calls her ethereal and beautiful and that sounds like how you consider her as well. I really must dive deeper into films from the past. Sounds like this would be a good starting off point.
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vinnieh said:
You got me Tom, I’m a real old romantic at heart. I am just transfixed by Audrey Hepburn; so beautiful and talented. You definitely should watch movies from the past Tom, some real crackers to be found.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
It makes me happy that your blog doesn’t just review new movies but the good ol’ classics.
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vinnieh said:
I pride myself on reviewing a variety of movies from across the decades. And truth be told, a lot of the older movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood are better than some of the stuff now.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
I couldn’t agree with you more.
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vinnieh said:
I’m a flitter when it comes to genres, I love everything from documentaries to horror.
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Naturist Fab said:
Great film. Audrey Hepburn really shines.
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vinnieh said:
She exudes a radiance that can’t be matched.
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vinnieh said:
Did you see my recent bum post? It’s been very well liked.
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Naturist Fab said:
I have not. I always get your posts. Will have to look.
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vinnieh said:
Just look for American Horror Story best asses. I really want to know what you think of it.
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Naturist Fab said:
Very nice indeed.
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vinnieh said:
Did you have a favourite ass?
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Naturist Fab said:
I would have to say the last one.
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vinnieh said:
That’s been the most popular choice. Any special reason?
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Naturist Fab said:
Just the way it’s presented. Tasteful and easy on the eyes. Well, I’ve gotta head out. Meeting my man for lunch. If you ever want to email. sparxx2u@yahoo.ca. Take care and Happy New-Year again! Fabien
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vinnieh said:
Cheers man, be sure to have a phenomenal time.
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Kim @ Tranquil Dreams said:
Love this movie! Audrey Hepburn is outstanding! Great review! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
She was so beguiling and radiant here, truly breathtaking in her beauty and natural talent.
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Ron said:
Very romantic film in classic scenery in Rome of the 50s. A journalist shows a lovely and beautiful teen priness Rome and in the end he experiences that he cares for her future just like a father, without the ambitions of a man.
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vinnieh said:
Very well said.
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