Review of Roman Holiday (1953) by Tynan Y — 16 Oct 2012

Roman Holiday 1953 romantic comedy directed and produced by William Wyler (Ben-Hur). Starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn as a royal princess. Hepburn won Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in the film; movie also won two more in the categories of the screenplay and costume design.

Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) represents an unnamed European country. She is on a continental tour, and this is her latest in Rome. She's fed up with messy schedule and planned life. One night she slips out of the palace and into the city. She poses as a drunk, homeless girl. Finally spotted by reporter Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) he brings her back to his apartment so she can sleep it off after seeing her in pitiful sleepy condition. Very next morning, he discovers the identity of his mysterious guest and fun starts.

This is most certainly unique story, and I must state here that having watched this movie I was so excited that I jumped in the air. Audrey Hepburn looks sweetheart and kissable every time her delicious persona appeared on screen. What a mesmerizing character she made out of it, changing the core and fundamental understanding of bubbly character. One thing I did come to accept, is that Audrey was truly a cheerful actress that lived in her times. Gregory Peck put humorous fun to his character, so much that I started questioning myself, is that Peck who I often envisioned to be rather dramatic and expressionist.

William Wyler's direction is superb; I cannot stop thinking how much fun and amusements the cast and crew might have had during the filming. Somewhere I read that this film bears extraordinary magnetism to pull audience (even) from modern era more forcibly than most of other b&w movies. A worth watching whimsical film.