“Roman Holiday,” originally released in 1953, was one of Audrey Hepburn’s earliest films. The romantic comedy is set and filmed entirely in Italy, where Hepburn plays Ann, a European princess travelling to various countries to improve diplomatic relations. In Rome, Princess Ann suffers a fit of anxiety, and runs away from the embassy after having been given some medication to make her sleep.
Leaving a late night poker game, the American reporter Joe Bradley, played by Gregory Peck, stumbles across Ann asleep on a bench. Trying to do the right thing by getting Ann some where safe, he finds himself stuck with her for the night. The next day, he realizes who she is and hopes to get a news story that will get his career, and life, back on track. Joe offers to help Ann have a wonderful one day holiday in Rome where the two will do anything she likes. With the help of his buddy Irving, actor Eddie Albert, Joe gets photos of Ann doing all the things a princess shouldn’t.
Hepburn’s portrayal of a young woman falling in love with the gorgeous Gregory Peck is delightful. Peck is great to watch as well. His facial expressions tell the whole story. His smile, while starring into Hepburn’s eyes, is heart melting. The movie was rightfully nominated for 10 academy awards. The black and white film makes the cinematography of Rome a little dull, but still includes many beautiful scenes from around the city.
