Audrey Hepburn's grand introduction to global stardom, Roman Holiday is a perfect romance, with the story of a vibrant but weary princess on the loose in Rome tinged with comedy and poignancy.
Young and glamorous Royal Princess Ann (Hepburn) is on an extensive goodwill tour of Europe on behalf of her unnamed country, and nearing exhaustion. Not allowed to make any of her own decisions and over scheduled with ceremonial events, she finally suffers a breakdown in Rome, throws a royal fit that rocks her entourage, and is given a sedative. But in the middle of the night Ann decides that what she needs is a break from the madness of formality, and she escapes from the embassy compound, intent on playing tourist.

Roman Holiday compiles the best elements of a successful romance into a flawless package. Two attractive leads from contrasting backgrounds, an exotic setting, a sprinkling of royalty, mischief, and a rebellious spirit, and the coming together of the young innocent princess with the worldly journalist. The film wears its pure romantic intentions on its lapel, and celebrates the magic that can happen in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Roman Holiday is a rich and leisurely stroll through the land of the possible, an exquisitely assembled piece of film making.
With Elizabeth Taylor and Jean Simmons both unavailable, director William Wyler plucked the 24 year old Hepburn from obscurity and gave her the chance of a lifetime, and she grasped it with both hands. Combining classic beauty with friendly accessibility and a pragmatic girl-next-door outlook on life, Hepburn establishes her coquettish persona in a few short scenes, and fearlessly matches the veteran Peck, step for step as she marches into stardom.
Peck proves to be the perfect partner for Hepburn's stepping out party, his gentlemanly air conveying distinguished experience and paving the way for Hepburn to stride into Hollywood's glamour circle, clutching the Best Actress Academy Award.
Wyler also insisted that Roman Holiday be filmed entirely on location in Rome, an astute decision that immeasurably adds to the authenticity of the experience. The familiar and famous locations, including the Fontana di Trevi, the Piazza Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Colosseum provide a backdrop that emphasizes Ann's desire to break free and see the sights unconfined by protocol, while the many Italian supporting actors in small roles add a distinctive and genuine flavour that sets Roman Holiday apart from backlot productions.

And just as often as Wyler and screenwriters Dalton Trumbo, Ian McLellan Hunter and John Dighton hit the right notes, they also avoid the traps that tend to diminish cinematic romances. Once Ann and Joe start to enjoy their time together, the risks to the relationship are not extraneous; rather the potential lovers themselves have to assess the complexities of where their emotions are heading and balance immediate personal fulfillment with longer-term realistic expectations. And the ending finds contentment in a mature resolution that respects the context.
Roman Holiday is a classy romance, and an impeccable launch for the most elegant of stars.
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Audrey´s Holiday in Rome !
ReplyDelete"Rome, thou art a whole world, it is true, and yet without love this
World would not be the world, Rome would cease to be Rome..."
My style ! Likeable and cool boss Gregory Peck and romantic Audrey...
ReplyDelete"Sun, who tarries on high, contemplating Rome:
Greater never you've nor shall you in future see greater
Than Rome, O sun, as your priest, Horace, enraptured foretol..."