Roman Holiday (1953)

Synopsis of Roman Holiday

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. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

118 mins

Director(s):

William Wyler

Writer(s):

Ian McLellan Hunter, John Dighton, Dalton Trumbo

Producer(s):

William Wyler

Categories:

Comedy, Romance

• 1953 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best British Actress
• 1953 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
• 1999 - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry
• 1953 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actress

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