A Review of "Roman Holiday"

I don't know if I've shared this before, but I love old television shows and movies. I kept hearing about "Roman Holiday." And since I love old shows, and adored Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady" and Gregory Peck in "To Kill a Mockingbird," I knew I had to see it.

So when I saw it while browsing the library shelves, it was a given. I sat down with a pad of paper and a pen and cuddled up for some good old fashioned romance. I was not disappointed.

Princess Anne (Hepburn) is taking a A European tour. She is sheltered and guarded to within an inch of her life. One night, she is able to escape and have a little adventure in Rome. She meets a young American newspaper man (Peck) and- you will never guess- they fall in love. But the ending is not  predictable. It's rather bittersweet, I warn you. 

So, in the beginning of the film Audrey starts out looking elegantly regal in a beautiful gown with shining jewels. She has a humorous but cringe-worthy scene where she loses her high heeled shoe. She acts the part of benevolent princess and dances and smiles through the ball.   

Later that evening, with Countess Vereberg, her guardian, she finally snaps and loses her composure. She does not want to act respectful and charmed and put together all the time. She is very young, so I believe that's rather to be expected. She gets a little hysterical and the countess sends for the doctor. The doctor gives her a shot to calm her down and go to sleep. (suspicious, no?) 

After they leave to let the medicine take effect, Ann flees. When she is in Rome, all alone, the medicine starts to work and she starts getting very sleepy. This is how Joe Bradley, the newspaper man, finds her. He doesn't know who she is. There are several silly scenes where Princess Anne is feeling rather silly. He finds out her identity the next morning (And Ann doesn't know he knows). He pretends he has no idea who she is. They have a wonderful day doing whatever Anne wishes in Rome. Joe hopes to get a story on her and has his friend, Irving, take pictures of the Princess. (Discreetly of course, so she doesn't know.) 

I won't share their adventures and shenanigans on this post. It would give away the whole movie. But there were many ;). 

The scenery was fantastic. This was actually filled in Rome and has many stunning shots. The clothes were lovely- I loved Audrey's outfits! Her new hairstyle suited her, I think.

It is an old movie, so there are no inappropriate scenes. Joe Bradley does take Princess Anne back to his apartment, but only because she cannot (or will not) tell him where she is staying. Nothing happens though, so it's safe. :) 

Have any of you seen Roman Holiday? What's your favorite black and white film?