Roman Holiday [G]

Tired of the pomp and endless string of duties and schedules that dictate her life, European Princess Ann slips out from under her handlers’ control one night under the guise of an everyday girl and rebels against her royal obligations by exploring Rome by herself. She then crosses paths with news reporter Joe Bradley who, sensing an ultimate scoop pretends to not know her true identity, which she endorses. Joined by Joe’s eager cameraman, the trio make the most of their day together, but Joe’s plans for the story change when he realises that he and the Princess are falling in love. 

Oh what a lovely little movie this is. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards and walking away with four, including Audrey Hepburn’s for Best Actress, Roman Holiday is a gorgeous little fairytale and anti-fairytale that remains to this day an original and different type of romantic comedy. In all the movies that I’ve seen, particularly all the romantic comedies that I’ve seen, none have ever ended the way this one has and it’s for this reason that this movie will stay with you and stand out amongst all the other movies of the genre. If you’re now intrigued as to what I’m talking about, run down to your local Blockbuster right now and grab yourself a copy because I’m not here to give anything away, this movie is far too special. 

Tired of the pomp and endless string of duties and schedules that dictate her life, European Princess Ann slips out from under her handlers’ control one night under the guise of an everyday girl and rebels against her royal obligations by exploring Rome by herself. She then crosses paths with news reporter Joe Bradley who, sensing an ultimate scoop pretends to not know her true identity, which she endorses. Joined by Joe’s eager cameraman, the trio make the most of their day together, but Joe’s plans for the story change when he realises that he and the Princess are falling in love. 

I mentioned earlier that this movie is both a fairytale and an anti-fairytale and here’s why. It’s a fairytale in the story of Audrey Hepburn who features in her first leading role as Princess Ann. Having only done a few minor roles and a role on Broadway before being cast as the leading lady, Audrey became a real life Cinderella with this movie as, practically overnight, she was catapulted to the top of Tinseltown. It’s no wonder why because she really does shine, even more so than her sequined gowns and jewellery. Her portrayal of a modern Princess was wonderful because it was real. Innocence and naivety wasn’t caricatured or over-exaggerated to get the laughs, the whole thing was very natural and genuine and really, really lovely. 

The anti-fairytale aspect of the movie comes in the original story by Dalton Trumbo. The romantic elements are all there: the differences in social standing as well as country differences, the devious bet and the hidden and not-so-hidden truths, and of course the one magic day that changes everything. What Trumbo does is not set it up to have a fantasy ending whilst at the same time not priming the audiences to be saddened or tearfully joyful when the credits roll. However the movie ends, you know it works and you’re unfazed by it because you’re not expecting a particular ending. It’s very clever writing. 

Starring Gregory Peck who is always gorgeous, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power, Harcourt Williams, Margaret Rawlings, Tullio Carminati, Paolo Carlini, and Claudio Ermelli, Roman Holiday is a gorgeous and completely original little movie filled with defiance, glimpses of two worlds, drama, romance, and comedy. Shot entirely on location in Rome it’s absolutely lovely and beautiful way to spend an afternoon.