Audrey Hepburn became a star with this film, in which she played
Princess Anne, weary of protocol and anxious to have some fun before she
is mummified by "affairs of state." On a diplomatic visit to Rome, Anne
escapes her royal retainers and scampers incognito through the Eternal
City. She happens to meet American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory
Peck), who, recognizing a hot news story, pretends that he doesn't
recognize her and offers to give her a guided tour of Rome. Naturally,
Joe hopes to
get an exclusive
interview, while his photographer pal Irving (Eddie Albert) attempts to
sneak a photo. And just as naturally, Joe falls in love with her. Filmed
on location in Rome, Roman Holiday garnered an Academy Award for the
24-year-old Hepburn; another Oscar went to the screenplay, credited to
Ian McLellan Hunter and John Dighton but actually co-written by the
blacklisted Dalton Trumbo. The 1987 TV movie remake with Catherine
Oxenberg is best forgotten. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
