"Roman Holiday" (1953) | Sam Gall Movie Review Issue #97 Gem Mint 10.0
“Roman Holiday“ (1953)
Director: William Wyler
Writer: Ian McLellan Hunter, John Dighton, Dalton Trumbo
Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power, Harcourt Williams, Margaret Rawlings, Tullio Carminati, Pablo Carlini
Rated: Not Rated (PG or G I guess?)
Runtime: 1h 58min
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Country: USA
Language: English | Italian | German
"A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome."
You might like this if you like: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Romance, Comedies, Romantic Comedies, Dramas
Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday" (1953)
This was the film I remember falling in love with Audrey Hepburn. It remains the favorite. This is my “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961). When I hear her name, I think of this movie.
I don’t remember exactly when I first discovered this one, if I had to guess it was in the early, and only, college days. Plowing through actors and directors filmographies. I definitely saw it when I way she’s the bulk of her hit movies and this one just stood out to me and just the darn sweetest.
From the moment it starts, I’m sucked in by her humorous, and very human, reactions amongst the Royalties. It very much feels like a live action, 50s Disney Princess story starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Maybe a little more romantic than some of those kids films.
Audrey Hepburn (left) & Gregory Peck (right) in "Roman Holiday" (1953)
I remember watching it alone, dreaming having what I was seeing on screen. Definitely was in my lonelier single years. It’s a sweet, simple story that touches the heart. Hepburn and Peck, wonderful dramatic actors, are just the right amount of humor and wit for the film.
I remember hearing about Dalton Trumbo’s story years after seeing “Roman Holiday” (1953), highly recommend Bryan Cranston’s portrayal as him in “Trumbo” (2015) directed by Jay Roach. Due to his political views on communism he was rejected the right to get credit for a lot of the pictures he wrote screenplays for. Kubrick’s “Spartacus” (1960) being another of Trumbo’s uncredited screenplay work.
Audrey Hepburn (left) & Gregory Peck (right) in "Roman Holiday" (1953)
“Roman Holiday” (1953) really has remained my favorite Audrey Hepburn movie. I’ve got a couple more of her lesser known films I want to watch that could jump to the top but we’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, if you’re the mood for a sweet, romantic comedy from the 50s starring two icons of the decade, this one’s my first pick.
Written by Sam Gall on 03/12/21
CGC Grading: Gem Mint 10.0
“An utterly disarming romantic comedy. The "Mouth of Truth" scene is a genuine classic, but the film is packed with equally delightful interludes.” - Matt Brunson, Film Frenzy
“Hepburn is a marvel, mixing deep pathos with a restless yearning. She also proves to be a gifted comic. I cannot praise her performance effusively enough.” - Frank J. Avella
“With Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn turning in superb performances, Roman Holiday is 118 minutes of sheer entertainment.” - Milton Luban, Hollywood Reporter
“Immaculately directed by William Wyler, and written and played with style and grace, this is a film to treasure, both for its endearing action and marvellous performances.” - Tony Sloman, Radio Times
Official Trailer:
Behind the Scenes:
Available on various VOD platforms
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