1953* Paramount* Starring: Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn* Director: William Wyler
A princess from a small, unnamed country embarks on a PR tour of European capitals. When she arrives in Rome, she is fed up with the strict schedule and instruction of her advisory team and runs away from the embassy for some personal time. When she meets an American, who unbeknownst to her is a journalist, they decide to take in the sights and delights of the city, his photographer friend tagging along.
Audrey Hepburn shines in her film debut. In fact Hepburn was so charming in the role during filming that Gregory Peck, who had recieved star billing, insisted that her name appear above the title along with his, unheard of at the time. Peck and Hepburn's excellent chemistry makes a plot in which two people fall in love over the course of a day believable. Eddie Albert, photographer friend to Peck's journalist character, provides the comic relief.
The location filming in Rome was also an oddity in an era of sets and soundstages. As a result, Rome is represented with a kind of naiive exoticism, a childish delight at what adventures await.
I think that it is this combination of naivete, fun, and romance that makes a plot that has been recycled multiple times since feel fresh and original in Roman Holiday. The film continues to be a personal favorite. It's my go-to when I'm sick, because of its quiet, pleasing soundtrack and lifelike pace. I also have a fondness for this film because it introduced me to Audrey Hepburn. It is obvious why this film is responsible for launching Audrey Hepburn's career, eventually making her one of the best known stars of classic Hollywood and a continuing style icon.
This still-frame features a scooter integral to the trio's sightseeing in the film. Through probably one of the most iconic uses of product placement, Vespa is still associated with the casual chic of 1950's Italy depicted in Roman Holiday.
