10. Roman Holiday; movie review

 

ROMAN HOLIDAY
Cert U

118 mins

BBFC advice: Contains mild violence, very mild sex references

How ironic that I should be watching a movie about a Royal struggling with the pressures of duty in the same week as the publication of Prince Harry's controversial autobiography.

This month Roman Holiday celebrates its 70th anniversary having initially hit the big screen in the year of The Queen's coronation.

Much may have changed since 1953 but, apparently, not everything.

Newspapers still chase stories about royalty and, in return, the latter have a schizophrenic relationship with the media.

Intriguingly, because of Harry's book and TV interviews, William Wyler's film resonates more today than it appeared to when I reviewed it on its 60th anniversary, a decade ago.

Its vibrant lead character, Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) feels trapped within the confines of duty while on a European tour.

She meets old people, makes boring speeches and only has time to see the cities she visits from her bedroom window.

Thus, she makes a break for it and goes out to experience a normal night in Rome where she meets a suave but unsuccessful news agency reporter (Gregory Peck).

Once he finally recognises her, he sees the possible scoop of a lifetime.

The pair have great comic rapport and, with the gorgeous backdrop of the Italian capital, they beguiled awards judges, picking up a clutch of gongs.

Interestingly, its innocence is noticeable compared to today's films - there is no bad language and sexual innuendo is very mild but it doesn't prevent it from being an attractive and rather enticing frippery.

And it was a rather pleasant diversion from the stream of reaction to Prince Harry's divisive book.

Reasons to watch: It's a classic

Reasons to avoid: Rather twee by today's standards

Laughs: Three

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? The role of Princess Ann in Roman Holiday made Audrey Hepburn a movie star. She’d previously only played bit parts and done theatre work. William Wyler’s top choice for the role was actually Jean Simmons, while Elizabeth Taylor was also considered.

The final word. William Wyler: "She had everything I was looking for: charm, innocence, and talent. She also was very funny. She was absolutely enchanting, and we said, ‘That’s the girl!'" Far Out

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