Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday
Name	Roman Holiday
Director	William Wyler
Producer	William Wyler
Writer	Dalton Trumbo, Ian McLellan Hunter, John Dighton
Starring	Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck
Music	Georges Auric, Victor Young
Cinematography	Henri Alekan, Franz Planer
Editing	Robert Swink
Studio	Paramount Pictures
Released	1953
Runtime	118 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Roman Holiday is a classic American film directed by William Wyler and starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The movie was filmed on location in Rome, Italy, and features iconic landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Colosseum. Audrey Hepburn's performance as Princess Ann earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and launched her career as a leading lady in Hollywood, alongside other notable actresses like Ingrid Bergman and Elizabeth Taylor. The film's success can be attributed to the collaboration of William Wyler with other notable directors like Billy Wilder and Alfred Hitchcock, who were known for their work on films like Sunset Boulevard and Rear Window.

Plot

The movie follows the story of Princess Ann, a royal from an unnamed European country, who escapes her duties for a day of adventure in Rome. She meets an American journalist, Joe Bradley, played by Gregory Peck, who is working for the American News Service. Joe Bradley is initially unaware of Princess Ann's true identity and offers to show her around the city, introducing her to famous landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. As they spend more time together, Joe Bradley and Princess Ann develop feelings for each other, but their social differences and the pressures of Princess Ann's royal duties threaten to tear them apart. The film features a range of supporting characters, including Eddie Albert as Irving Radovich, a photographer who works with Joe Bradley and has connections to other notable photographers like Ansel Adams and Richard Avedon.

Production

The film was produced by William Wyler and Frank Capra, with a screenplay written by Dalton Trumbo, Ian McLellan Hunter, and John Dighton. The movie was filmed on location in Rome, with additional scenes shot at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The production team included notable cinematographers like Henri Alekan and Franz Planer, who worked on films like The Red Shoes and The Third Man. The film's score was composed by Georges Auric and Victor Young, with contributions from other notable composers like Max Steiner and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. The production of Roman Holiday was influenced by other classic films of the time, such as Casablanca and The Philadelphia Story, which were directed by Michael Curtiz and George Cukor.

Cast

The film stars Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann and Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley. The supporting cast includes Eddie Albert as Irving Radovich, Hartley Power as Mr. Hennessy, and Harriet MacGibbon as Countess Vereberg. The cast also features a range of notable character actors, including Margalo Gillmore and Tullio Carminati, who appeared in films like The Great Gatsby and The Garden of Allah. The film's cast was influenced by the work of other notable actors, such as Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, who appeared in films like North by Northwest and The Lion in Winter.

Release

The film was released in 1953 by Paramount Pictures and premiered at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The movie was a critical and commercial success, earning over $3 million at the box office and receiving several Academy Award nominations. The film's release was accompanied by a range of promotional materials, including posters and trailers, which featured the film's iconic scenes and quotes. The film's success can be attributed to the marketing efforts of Paramount Pictures, which also distributed other classic films like Rear Window and Vertigo.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Audrey Hepburn's performance as Princess Ann. The film holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its charming storyline, beautiful cinematography, and strong performances. The film was also a commercial success, earning over $3 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1953. The film's reception was influenced by the work of other notable critics, such as Bosley Crowther and Pauline Kael, who wrote for publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Legacy

The film has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with its iconic scenes and quotes becoming ingrained in the public consciousness. The film's influence can be seen in a range of other movies and TV shows, including The Princess Diaries and Gossip Girl, which feature similar themes and characters. The film has also been recognized as a classic of American cinema, with the Library of Congress selecting it for preservation in the National Film Registry. The film's legacy continues to be celebrated by film enthusiasts and scholars, who study its influence on the work of other notable directors like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. The film's impact on the career of Audrey Hepburn is also notable, as it launched her as a leading lady in Hollywood and paved the way for her future success in films like Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady.

Category:1950s films