Review of Roman Holiday (1953) by Stuart K — 02 Sep 2011

Directed by William Wyler (Mrs. Miniver (1942), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) and Ben-Hur (1959)), this is a breezy, funny but atmospheric romantic comedy, but also a travelogue set out against one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

It's two stars have a good chemistry too. Ann (Audrey Hepburn) is the crown princess of a country that isn't named. But, she's tired with tradition and the demands of her duties as a royal.

One night, she runs away from her countries embassy where she's staying, and heads off into Rome, but falls asleep on a bench. and is found by American Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), a reporter working for the Rome office of the Daily American newspaper.

He tries to take her home, but she ends up at his place. But, the next day, Joe discovers who the young girl at home really is. He wants to get an interview with her, and hides the fact he's a reporter, and Joe asks his photographer friend, Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert), to tag along and take photos while he and Ann enjoy the sights of Rome.

But, Ann seems to enjoy her freedom just a little too much, and it isn't before long when officials are out looking all over Rome for her. It's a very well made film, very lavish and rich in local flavour.

This was Hepburn's first big film, and she makes quite an impression, while Peck makes a smooth, charismatic lead male to rival Cary Grant. Nearly 60 years on, it still hasn't aged.