Roman Holiday

1953 Comedy

Audrey Hepburn became a star with this film, in which she played Princess Anne, weary of protocol and anxious to have some fun before she is mummified by "affairs of state." On a diplomatic visit to Rome, Anne escapes her royal retainers and scampers incognito through the Eternal City. She happens to meet American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who, recognizing a hot news story, pretends that he doesn't recognize her and offers to give her a guided tour of Rome. Naturally, Joe hopes to get an exclusive interview, while his photographer pal Irving (Eddie Albert) attempts to sneak a photo. And just as naturally, Joe falls in love with her. Filmed on location in Rome, Roman Holiday garnered an Academy Award for the 24-year-old Hepburn; another Oscar went to the screenplay, credited to Ian McLellan Hunter and John Dighton but actually co-written by the blacklisted Dalton Trumbo. The 1987 TV movie remake with Catherine Oxenberg is best forgotten. more..

Director: William Wyler

Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Tullio Carminati, Hartley Power

Reviews

  • The film has enough adventure and excitement to satisfy, and the faintly bittersweet note of the ending is made deliciously palatable by its artistic rightness.

    - TV Guide

    27 April 2013

  • times the chuckles with a never-flagging pace, puts heart into the laughs, endows the footage with some boff bits of business and points up some tender, poignant scenes in using the smart script and the cast to the utmost advantage.

    - Variety

    27 April 2013

  • It is a contrived fable but a bittersweet legend with laughs that leaves the spirits soaring.

    - The New York Times

    27 April 2013

  • Witty, warm and beautifully filmed by Franz Planer and Henri Alekan, it remains an unabashed romantic delight, with Hepburn particularly luminescent.

    David Parkinson - Empire

    27 April 2013

  • The film itself is a classic of romantic wish fulfillment, exactly the sort of beautiful lie that Hollywood specialized in.

    Ty Burr - The Boston Globe

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Actress in a Leading Role

    Academy Awards (1954)

  • Best British Actress

    BAFTA Awards (1954)

  • Best Actor - International

    Bambi Awards (1954)

     
  • Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures

    Directors Guild of America (1954)

     
  • Best Motion Picture Actress - Drama

    Golden Globes (1954)