"Roman Holiday" (1953) is a classic romantic comedy that marked the Hollywood debut of Audrey Hepburn, who played the role of Princess Ann. Directed by William Wyler, the film is renowned for its charming portrayal of a European princess who escapes her royal duties to explore Rome, where she meets an American journalist played by Gregory Peck.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is its location shooting. At a time when most movies were shot on studio sets, "Roman Holiday" was filmed entirely in Rome. This decision added an authentic charm and allowed audiences to experience the beauty of the city alongside the characters.
Audrey Hepburn, a relatively unknown actress at the time, was cast after a screen test that captivated Wyler. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, launching her into stardom. Interestingly, Hepburn's name appears above Peck's in the opening credits, a rare occurrence at that time, especially given Peck's established career. Peck insisted on this after recognizing Hepburn's talent.
Another interesting fact is that the original script by Dalton Trumbo was not credited to him due to the Hollywood blacklist. Instead, his friend Ian McLellan Hunter took the credit and later won an Oscar for Best Story, which was posthumously awarded to Trumbo in 1993.
The film's iconic Vespa ride through Rome became so popular that Vespa sales skyrocketed after the film's release. Additionally, the romantic ending, which deviates from typical Hollywood norms by not having the leads end up together, was considered bold and has been lauded for its realism and emotional depth.
"Roman Holiday" remains a beloved film, cherished for its performances, picturesque setting, and the timeless appeal of its story.
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