Roman Holiday: A Rendezvous of Romantic Realism

Rome. Gregory Peck. Audrey Hepburn. What more can you ask for?

One of the most romantic stories of the silver screen, Roman Holiday is a magical masterpiece among William Wyler’s many cinematic successes. Winner of several Academy Awards, this modern take on the Cinderella story was shot entirely on location in Rome, something quite rare for the time. The city is essentially another character joining Hepburn and Peck.

At first, Paramount was strongly against location shooting for this film due to budget restrictions. But Wyler was determined to make it work—and he did. This is one of the few films where the setting is crucial to the plot. The city irradiates the charming chemistry between Peck and Hepburn in a wonderful way a set could not.

Peck was hesitant to accept the role of smooth newspaperman Joe Bradley. It was a secondary role in his mind since the plot was all about the princess. Wyler eventually convinced him to accept. Ironically, Peck was so taken with Hepburn, he insisted Wyler place her name above his in the title, sure she would be an instant sensation. They did, and she was.

Roman Holiday introduced Hepburn to the world, catapulting her to stardom and earning her a Best Actress Oscar. It’s easy to see why. Naturally ingenuous, she’s absolutely captivating on screen. She doesn’t even need to speak and she radiates royalty. This is exactly what Wyler was looking for when casting the role—someone who effortlessly exuded the elegance of princess. Hepburn’s grace would leave a lasting impression on the world as enchanting as the film itself.

A story of unrequited love, this plot is one of those near-perfect stories where every moment is meaningful. Taking a holiday from her royal regime of duties, runaway princess embarks on a whirlwind excursion around Rome with a handsome newspaper reporter for the day.

The divine dynamic between Hepburn and Peck is one that enlightens the mind and warms the soul. As they discover the pure joy you can find for yourself from someone else, they develop a profound new appreciation for the simple things in life. Sharing a meal. Sightseeing the city. Everything becomes infinitely more enjoyable beside someone special.

This is a love story rooted in reality. Of a love caught in a series of perfect moments that lives eternally in that moment.

The movie teaches us that you have to accept situations for what they are. You can’t change a situation and in turn, you can’t change a person. Even though they love each other, it doesn’t change that Ann is a Princess and has certain obligations that do not include Joe.

The ending scene, when Hepburn is back at her post as Princess and Peck stands before her as a gentleman of the press, shimmers with a sincerity you rarely see in film today. The two speak volumes to each other with no direct words.

One of the most bittersweet endings in cinematic history, your hope that she chases after him heightens with each step he takes toward the door. As the sound of his footsteps reverberates in the silence, we realize she’s not going to run after him, and we’re filled with a splendor sort of peace.

Not all stories are epic romances, but it doesn’t mean that they are any less filled with love.

Check out Audrey Hepburn’s incredible screen test for Princess Ann below.

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