Roman Holiday Synopsis: A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome.
After growing overwhelmed and frustrated by her royal obligations, young Princess Anne decides to sneak away from the royal embassy in Italy to experience a day without responsibilities. She meets Joe Bradley, an American journalist who, at first, doesn’t recognize her. Once he knows who he has in his care, he decides to use Princess Ann’s outing among regular civilians as a news piece, thinking it will come with a big payday. Of course, things get complicated when the two begin to develop feelings for one another.
This was my first time watching Roman Holiday, and it seemed fitting to use this film as my 200th rom-com review. It’s very popular in its genre, listed as #4 in AFI’s Top 10 Romantic Comedies as well as #4 in their 100 Years… 100 Passions list. It also won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actress.
After viewing Roman Holiday, I can absolutely see why people love this film. It’s so wonderfully charming. Everything about this movie is designed to put a gigantic smile on your face, from the acting to the direction and music. As usual, Audrey Hepburn is radiant on screen as Princess Ann. I’m still stunned that this was her first significant role, which she completely nailed. She has a worldly way about her that is needed for royalty, yet she exudes such innocent restlessness that you can’t help but feel her pain and root for her to experience the world as she chooses.
Admittedly I have not seen many films starring Gregory Peck but for The Omen, and his iconic turn as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. But he was as perfect as Joe Bradley. I adored his scenes with Hepburn and Eddie Albert, who went on to score an Oscar nomination for his supporting role here as photographer Irving Radovich.
The movie was initially supposed to be shot in Technicolor, but budget restraints due to shooting on location meant William Wyler had to shoot in black and white. As beautiful as Italy is, I really think the black and white adds a certain romance to the story. The focus is on Princess Ann and Joe rather than the incredible colors and sights of Rome. And yet, Rome still feels like a character itself, providing the fairy tale backdrop to Ann’s reverse Cinderella story.
There is very little to complain about regarding Roman Holiday. I was honestly waiting for Ann to discover Joe’s duplicity, but the movie never toys with any dramatic reveal and separation. I could have understood it happening, but the movie works so much better as it is.
“I have to leave you now. I’m going to that corner there and turn. You must stay in the car and drive away. Promise not to watch me go beyond the corner. Just drive away and leave me as I leave you.” – Ann
I found myself quite cheerful throughout this entire movie, and I was completely unprepared for the ending. I thought I would make it without getting too emotional, but as the very last scene began, and Gregory Peck began to walk through the embassy… yes, I admit it, I had to grab a couple of tissues. The depth of emotion it invoked in me took me by surprise, and because of that, this movie absolutely gets and deserves five stars.
If you haven’t seen it yet, what on earth are you waiting for?
Watched: 02/16/2021
Notable Song: Roman Holiday by Georges Auric
Joel
February 18, 2021It is a lovely picture. Wyler originally wanted Jean Simmons for Princess Ann but she was under contract to RKO and Howard Hughes refused to loan her out (apparently out of spite because she had turned down his amorous advances). I love Jean Simmons and she would have been her usual enchanting self in the role and the film would have worked but perhaps not have had the staying power it enjoys because of Audrey’s emergence in it.
Audrey had done some small English films before this where most of her roles were just as small, she’s charming in them but none placed any real demands on her like this does.
Gregory Peck can be variable on screen. If you’re looking for resolute integrity he’s your man but loose amiability wasn’t in his wheelhouse. He seemed aware of his limitations and by and large stayed away from anything that wouldn’t work for him. He ended up with a very solid filmography that way and the few comedies he did tweaked his established persona just ever so slightly.
He and Audrey are key to the success of the film but it wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable without Eddie Albert’s fun take on Peck’s buddy.
Sara
February 19, 2021I remember reading about Jean Simmons! But it’s so hard to imagine the film without Audrey Hepburn now. I agree about Gregory Peck… again, I haven’t seen him in much but he has a really strong screen presence. It was a bit strange to be such a fan of To Kill a Mockingbird and then see him in a role like Joe Bradley. But I think he did a great job. Eddie Albert was so fantastic! I loved his role in this.