"I've never been alone with a man before, even with my dress on. With my dress off, it's MOST unusual."
The 1953 movie “Roman Holiday”, starring Audrey Hepburn, in her first feature role, and Gregory Peck, is a charming and captivating fairytale romance shot entirely on location in Rome. The film's bittersweet story is a charming romantic-comedy, and is reportedly based on the real life Italian adventures of the British Princess Margaret.
Princess Anne, a member of the royal family of an unnamed European country, embarks on a highly publicized goodwill tour of European capitals. By the time she and her royal entourage arrive in Rome, she begins to rebel against her restricted and regimental schedule. To escape the endless tedium of the many ceremonial occasions she is expected to attend and experience life beyond the claustrophobic confines of her royal position, Anne sneaks out of her room at the Embassy, hops into the back of a delivery truck and escapes her luxurious confinement. However, a sedative she was forced to take earlier starts to take effect, and the princess is soon fast asleep on a public bench. There she is found by Joe Bradley, an American newspaper reporter stationed in Rome. Not knowing who she is, he is chivalrous enough to take her home to his apartment, where she spends the night.
The next morning Joe dashes off to cover the Princess Anne press conference, unaware that she is sleeping on his couch! Once he realizes his good fortune, Joe promises his editor an exclusive interview with the princess and the story of her illicit flight.
Blissfully unaware of the fact that she has been discovered, Princess Anne pretends to be a common tourist named Anya Smith. Anya and Joe manage to do just about every fun thing there is to do in Rome in twenty four hours. At first, it's all about the money and fame, but in the end, he just can't make himself blow the lid off her day of adventure.
The film received a phenomenal ten Academy Award nominations for a comedy, and received three, namely Best Actress, Best Original Story and Best Black and White Costume Design.
The film is full of romance, good humour and stellar performances. Audrey Hepburn is positively peerless. If you're looking for a realistic and entertaining romance, Roman Holiday is a must see.
thus spake Pollyanna @ 5:51 pm
Footprints: 31
