Review of Roman Holiday (1953) by Tom B — 25 Nov 2010
Yes, I'd never seen this, we watched over two nights, wasn't ready for enchantment, from naturalism to charm it swept me away. Audrey Hepburn won me in They All Laughed, Funny Face was great, but Roman Holiday might be the favorite.
No, I love them all. Genuine sincerity and natural joy comes through. Peck here is perfect, usually sturdy, he's a raffish reporter, nimble of humor, fun. Wyler's direction is easy and Rome is warm and sunny.
In the lightest possible way it reminds how good simple things can be. She wants to sit in a cafĂ (C), go for a walk in the city, do whatever she wants for once, and the art vanishes and she's not a star playing a princess on the town but someone expressing the kind of feeling anyone can care about at any time.
Peck's surprise at the request is perfect. To tarry, smile and take in the day. And then it captures the birth of love. They do it, they bring it out. I confess I got a bit ferklempt (Yeah, yeah, talk amongst yourselfs!) Maybe it's why audiences adored both these performers, because maybe these are the people themselves, not actors miming characters, but them being who they really are, expressing their own values.
As a bonus, Eddie Albert, who I recognized from his television stuff on Green Acres (I can hear the song in my brain!), is great fun. Not a bit of excess or apparent commercialism, all story and sunshine and feelings.
Audrey Hepburn, all person, no pretense.
This review of Roman Holiday (1953) was written by Tom B on 25 Nov 2010.
Roman Holiday has generally received very positive reviews.
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