2008 Woodie Awards
Reviewing the classics:
Roman Holiday
Alica Zanetta, Staff Writer
Issue date: 12/7/05 Section: Entertainment
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"Roman Holiday" is the classic tale of sleeping beauty with a few twists. In this black and white film sleeping beauty is a princess, but her prince charming is a reporter and like many of the modern prince/princess movies we see today, she wants to substitute her crown for some fun and freedom, for awhile.
"Romand Holiday" was made in 1953, directed by William Wyler and written by Dalton Trumbo (story), and Ian McLellan Hunter (screenplay).
Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar in this charming classic, for her first starring role as the worn-out Princess Ann, who, tired of her overwhelming schedule, rules and regulations, escapes the Coliseum and ends up asleep on a bench in one of the many streets in Rome.
Joe Bradley (played by Gregory Peck) finds her, takes pity on her and brings who he assumes to be merely some random drunk woman back to his apartment. Ann, "Is this the elevator?" Joe, "No, it's my apartment!"
The plot then takes several amusing twists and turns as Joe discovers Ann's true identity and the naïve princess believes his every line, completely unaware that he is ultimately after a story, hers.
Ann's goal is a break from her boring royal life and Joe's is an exclusive interview with her Royal Highness. The real story soon becomes a romance, however, as Ann and Joe begin to fall for one another, hook, line and sinker.
"Roman Holiday" has the very charm of Italy itself, not just because the entire movie was filmed in Rome itself (as few movies today are actually filmed on location), but also because the plot is sweet and innocent, and the characters are humorous and eloquent.
The film paints a lovely portrait of a lady and a gentleman, who steal every scene with their poise and charisma. Hepburn takes one'' breath away with her beauty and elegance, and Peck could capture any woman's'' heart with his gentle nature, calm mannerisms and quiet affection.
Many fabulous, clever lines are spoken in "Roman Holiday" and one of several amusing scenes was referenced in the 1990's movie, "Only You", starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey, jr. Joe,"If you stick your hand in there and tell it a lie, your hand will be bitten off." Ann,"Oh what a horrible idea." Joe takes Ann to the statue of truth, and after sticking his hand in its mouth, pretends that it has been bitten off. In "Only You," they go to that same statue and create their own version of that scene.
The scenes, the gorgeous setting, the likeable characters, and the easy, natural performances of the actors, invite the audience in for a real treat.
"Roman Holiday," though still in black and white and containing a very simple plot, was done so creatively and flowed so smoothly, that it will woo all viewers with its subtle charms.
We could all use a vacation after finals in a couple of weeks, heck one would come in handy now, so why wait. Go on holiday; enjoy Rome and some spicy amore!