Review of Roman Holiday (1953) by Alan M — 08 Sep 2009

'Roman Holiday' is an elegant and charming fairytale, which lovingly recites a whimsical story of an enchanting romance within the ancient city of Rome, seasoned with passion and culture for a uniquely Italian flavour.

The movie is a harmonious blend of slapstick comedy and tender romance, as a cynical and opportunistic journalist sets out to exploit a naïve princess on a wide eyed flight of fancy from her royal obligations.

Sweet natured and lightly humorous frolics ensue in the traditional Hollywood manner of ostentatious glitz and glamour, saturating the screen with decadence. As always, we feast on the dazzling spectacle served to us, feeding our fantasies and indulging our guilty pleasures for a little while.

On this occasion, we are treated to a day in Rome, pursuing our capricious leads through the ancient streets, encompassing many of the famous sights and attractions of the Italian capital along the way, like a series of exquisite picture postcards to cherish.

The sumptuous photography is a visual delight, capturing the spectacular glory of Rome and admiring the finer details of the imperious city, as it basks in the vibrant sunshine and shimmers in the silver moonlight, both casting a sentimental glow upon the more understated moments - the touching intimacy of two people falling in love.

The luminous Audrey Hepburn is irresistible as the absconded princess - a blossoming rose seduced by the romantic aura of Rome and intoxicated by love's sweet dream, flowing through her like a sweet tasting wine. Hepburn looks ravishing, draped in 1950's chic, but it is her delicate grace and virtuous charm that set her apart from the opulent trimmings of the production. Each quality radiates from the screen without pretence, which confirmed Hepburn's winsome appeal to American audiences of the era and served her faithfully throughout her illustrious acting career.

Gregory Peck is hugely entertaining as the smooth talking journalist, who plots to snare the princess for his own means. Peck's laid-back demeanour and fundamental decency soften the edges of an otherwise unpleasant character, making him more palatable for the audience, which is essential for any leading man of a romantic comedy. His genial persona shines brighter still under Hepburn's bewitching influence, gradually phasing out his devious character as the romantic mood takes hold, culminating in a refined and memorable finale.