Roman Holiday (1953)

Director: William Wyler
Stars: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert
Runtime: 118 minutes

Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Special Effects: N.A.
Costumes/Makeup: 8/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

Verdict: “Roman Holiday” is one of the best romantic comedies ever made. The film follows Princess Ann, who, tired of her always full schedule, runs away in the streets of Rome where she meets Joe Bradley, a journalist who sees in this opportunity a chance to write the scoop of his life. The picture was famously and exceptionally written by Dalton Trumbo (whose story is beautifully told in “Trumbo”, starring Bryan Cranston) and was deservedly rewarded with an Oscar, which he only received posthumously in 1993 due to him being blacklisted by Hollywood at the time of the original ceremony. Gregory Peck, as usual, gave a great performance as Bradley, but it’s Hepburn that stole the show in her first ever lead role, providing her character with the perfect mixture of charm and energy, earning her an Oscar and the audience’s immediate admiration. William Wyler also assumed his role of director perfectly, making the bold decision of shooting the entirety of the picture on location, in Rome, which the studio was initially against, resulting in the budget being reduced and Hepburn, then an unknown actress, being cast. That decision proved to be the right one not only because it introduced the world to one of the best actresses that ever lived, but also because it gave the movie more authenticity, making the audience wander around the Eternal City with the protagonists. A great story, stellar performances, and beautiful cinematography make “Roman Holiday” a must for all movie lovers out there.

Final Grade: 9/10