Detailed Summary
Introduction: Princess Ann’s World
The movie opens with Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), a young royal who is on a European goodwill tour. She’s exhausted by her strict royal duties and the demands placed upon her, longing for a taste of normal life. During a visit to Rome, she experiences a breakdown and sneaks out of the embassy to explore the city, disguised as a regular citizen.
The Meeting: Princess Ann and Joe Bradley
After escaping her royal entourage, Ann ends up in the care of Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), an American journalist living in Rome. Joe doesn’t initially recognize her as royalty and begrudgingly lets her stay at his apartment after she falls asleep on a park bench.
The next morning, Joe realizes who she really is and sees this as an opportunity for a big scoop. He promises his editor an exclusive interview, but as the day progresses, his plans begin to change as he starts to fall for Ann.
The Roman Holiday Begins
Joe, pretending not to know who she is, takes Ann on an adventurous tour of Rome. The two explore iconic landmarks, ride a Vespa, visit local cafés, and experience the joy of anonymity in the bustling city. Ann, finally free from her royal responsibilities, delights in the everyday experiences she’s been deprived of.
Throughout this “holiday,” Joe’s photographer friend Irving (Eddie Albert) secretly follows them to capture candid shots of the princess, providing a comedic side plot.
The Growing Romance
As the day progresses, a genuine connection forms between Joe and Ann. Their interactions move beyond playful adventure, revealing deeper feelings. Ann starts to see the beauty in everyday life, and Joe struggles with his growing affection for her, torn between his journalistic ambition and his emotions.
The Truth Revealed
Eventually, Ann’s royal handlers realize she’s missing and search the city for her. Knowing that her time is limited, Ann decides to return to her royal life, even though she has fallen in love with Joe. Joe, in turn, chooses not to publish the story, protecting her privacy and dignity, in a bittersweet act of love.
Movie Ending
The movie concludes with Ann resuming her duties as princess, attending a formal press conference. Joe is there as part of the media. They exchange a few knowing glances but speak only in professional terms. Ann remains composed, though her eyes reveal her heartbreak. As Joe walks away from the palace, we understand that they won’t be together, but their brief romance has changed them both forever.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No post-credits scene appears, but the ending is a beautiful, poignant moment that lingers with audiences.
Type of Movie
Roman Holiday is a romantic comedy with elements of drama. It blends light-hearted romance, humor, and subtle emotional depth, creating a film that’s both charming and heart-wrenching.
Cast
- Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann
- Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley
- Eddie Albert as Irving Radovich
- Hartley Power as Mr. Hennessy
Film Music and Composer
The movie’s score was composed by Georges Auric, known for his elegant and whimsical music. His compositions perfectly capture the light-hearted and romantic mood of the film, while also adding an air of sophistication to the royal scenes.
Filming Locations
Roman Holiday was filmed entirely on location in Rome, Italy, making it one of the first American films to be shot entirely overseas. Iconic landmarks featured in the film include:
- The Spanish Steps: Where Ann eats gelato and enjoys her newfound freedom.
- The Colosseum: One of the many landmarks Joe and Ann visit on their tour.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Where the climactic scene with the royal guards takes place.
These locations serve not only as backdrops but as integral parts of the narrative, showing Rome as both a romantic setting and a symbol of freedom for Ann.
Awards and Nominations
Roman Holiday received 10 Academy Award nominations, winning 3:
- Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn)
- Best Costume Design (Edith Head)
- Best Writing (Motion Picture Story)
Hepburn’s Oscar win for her role as Princess Ann marked her arrival as a major star in Hollywood.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Audrey Hepburn was relatively unknown before this film, but director William Wyler chose her over established stars because of her fresh, natural charm.
- Gregory Peck insisted that Hepburn receive equal billing, knowing that her performance would make her a star.
- The iconic scene where Ann drives a Vespa through Rome became so popular that Vespa sales surged following the film’s release.
- Peck’s famous “biting hand” gag during the Mouth of Truth scene was improvised, surprising Hepburn and capturing her genuine reaction.
Inspirations and References
The film’s storyline is not based on any specific true story, but it draws inspiration from the fairy-tale romance genre and the idea of royalty escaping for a day of freedom. It also reflects the post-war fascination with American and European cultural exchanges.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No major alternate endings have been revealed, as the bittersweet conclusion is a hallmark of the film’s enduring charm. However, some deleted scenes reportedly expanded on Joe’s backstory and the relationship between him and Irving.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Roman Holiday is not based on a book, but its script was originally written by Dalton Trumbo, who was blacklisted in Hollywood at the time. He wasn’t credited until much later, after winning the Oscar posthumously.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Princess Ann’s impulsive haircut, symbolizing her rebellion and desire for change.
- Joe and Ann’s scooter ride through the streets of Rome, with Ann reveling in the thrill of being free.
- The iconic Mouth of Truth scene, where Joe pretends to lose his hand, scaring Ann in a playful moment.
Iconic Quotes
- Princess Ann: “I’ve never been alone with a man before, even with my dress on. With my dress off, it’s MOST unusual.”
- Joe Bradley: “You’re not what I’d call trouble.”
- Princess Ann: “I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The scooter scene where they weave through traffic was largely unscripted, with real Roman drivers reacting naturally to the film crew.
- The film subtly comments on class differences, as Joe’s apartment contrasts starkly with the opulence of the royal palace.
- Look closely in the background of many scenes, and you’ll notice local Romans reacting to the cameras, as some shots were done with minimal interference in public areas.
Trivia
- Audrey Hepburn was cast after a lengthy screen test where she didn’t realize the cameras were rolling during a personal interview.
- The film was shot in black-and-white to save on production costs, despite Rome’s vibrant scenery.
- Roman Holiday was one of the first major Hollywood films to shoot entirely on location in Europe.
- Hepburn’s performance catapulted her to stardom, making her a fashion icon as well as a celebrated actress.
Why Watch?
Roman Holiday is a must-watch for lovers of classic cinema. With its mix of romance, humor, and heartfelt emotion, it stands the test of time. Audrey Hepburn’s enchanting performance and the picturesque setting of Rome create a magical viewing experience.
Director’s Other Movies
- Ben-Hur (1959)
- The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
- The Heiress (1949)
- How to Steal a Million (1966)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
- Sabrina (1954)
- An Affair to Remember (1957)
- La Dolce Vita (1960)
- Charade (1963)
