Roman Holiday (1953)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ½

Roman Holiday (1953) – W. Wyler

The stars are especially magical in William Wyler’s light-hearted (though ultimately wistful) romantic comedy.  Audrey Hepburn, in her first major role, is innocent and gamine-like (esp. after that haircut) as a princess touring Europe with too many bureaucratic duties to perform.  Gregory Peck, less wooden than usual, is the American reporter who stumbles upon her when she makes a late-night break for freedom from her minders.  The next day, the two (along with photographer Eddie Albert) spend the day visiting Roman tourist destinations (shot on location) in a carefree way but comically underscored by the efforts of the journalists to conceal their identities and true purpose (to get a scoop for their paper).  Of course, Peck and Hepburn fall in love – but, after all is said and done, she is a princess and must return to her duties.  Or must she? Dalton Trumbo came up with the story (while blacklisted as part of the Hollywood 10) and received his Oscar posthumously in the 1990s.  Breezy and special, due primarily to Hepburn’s charisma but Wyler also knew a thing or two about directing and hits the right emotional notes, expertly playing the audience.  Lives up to its reputation.