Roman Holiday 1953
It is hard to believe that Roman Holiday was Audrey Hepburn’s first big movie. She looks about the same as in all of her other movies and carries that same presence and elegance that she practically patented. It is also hard to believe that Gregory Peck was ever in a romantic comedy, which is what this would have been if it were made today. He seems a little uncomfortable and probably should be given the 13 year age difference. Peck got the part because Cary Grant turned it down, saying he was too old, and certainly the movie would have played better with Grant’s easy-going comic charm. The plot avoids being overly convoluted (no back and forth on whether they will get together) as we watch these two take a tour of Rome. It isn’t great entertainment, but it is fun to watch Hepburn and think how she must have just blown people away at the time. Also fun to see Eddie Albert as a beatnik photographer. B+
Written: 23 Aug 2009