Written by Cherida Tallent
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Roman Holiday is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences around the world since its release in 1953. Directed by William Wyler and starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, this romantic comedy is a beloved favorite among movie enthusiasts. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rome, the film follows the story of Princess Ann, played by Hepburn, who escapes her royal duties for a day of freedom and adventure. Along the way, she meets an American reporter named Joe Bradley, portrayed by Peck, who unknowingly becomes her guide through the city’s enchanting streets. With its charming storyline, stunning cinematography, and incredible performances, Roman Holiday has secured its place in cinematic history. In this article, we will take a deep dive into 40 fascinating facts about this iconic movie.
Key Takeaways:
- “Roman Holiday” is a timeless romantic comedy released in 1953, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, and filmed on location in Rome. Hepburn won an Academy Award for her role, and the movie continues to captivate audiences with its charm and humor.
- Audrey Hepburn’s breakthrough role in “Roman Holiday” catapulted her to stardom and established her as an iconic actress. The film’s delightful humor, enchanting chemistry between the lead actors, and memorable soundtrack make it a beloved classic.
Roman Holiday was released in 1953
Roman Holiday is a classic romantic comedy film that was released in 1953.
Audrey Hepburn won an Academy Award for her role
Audrey Hepburn won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Princess Ann in Roman Holiday.
Gregory Peck starred alongside Hepburn
Gregory Peck played the role of Joe Bradley, a reporter who crosses paths with Princess Ann during her secret Roman holiday.
The movie was directed by William Wyler
William Wyler, a renowned director, helmed the project and brought the story to life.
It was filmed on location in Rome
The majority of the scenes in the movie were shot on location in Rome, showcasing the iconic landmarks of the city.
Roman Holiday was Hepburn’s breakthrough role
This film marked Audrey Hepburn’s breakthrough role in Hollywood and skyrocketed her to stardom.
The script was written by Dalton Trumbo
Dalton Trumbo is credited with writing the screenplay for Roman Holiday, although he was blacklisted at the time due to McCarthyism.
The movie has a timeless charm
Even though Roman Holiday was released almost seven decades ago, it continues to captivate audiences with its timeless charm and romantic storyline.
Audrey Hepburn was originally considered for a different role
Initially, Audrey Hepburn was considered for the role of Princess Ann’s friend, but the director saw her potential as the lead and cast her as the princess instead.
The famous scooter scene was improvised
The iconic scene where Hepburn and Peck ride around Rome on a Vespa was actually an improvised moment during filming.
Roman Holiday was a critical and commercial success
The film received positive reviews from critics and became a box office hit, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
The movie introduced Hepburn’s signature style
Hepburn’s elegant fashion choices in Roman Holiday, including the iconic short haircut and classic black dress, became her signature style.
The film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards
Roman Holiday received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The famous Mouth of Truth scene was a tourist attraction
The Mouth of Truth, a Roman sculpture featured in the movie, became a popular tourist attraction after the film’s release.
Edith Head designed the costumes
Renowned costume designer Edith Head was responsible for creating the stunning outfits worn by the characters in the movie.
Roman Holiday is considered a classic of the romantic comedy genre
The film’s enduring popularity has solidified its status as a classic example of the romantic comedy genre.
It was shot in black and white
Roman Holiday was filmed in black and white, adding a touch of nostalgia to the visuals.
The movie was a collaboration between American and Italian studios
Roman Holiday was a joint production between Paramount Pictures and the Italian production company International Pictures.
It was initially titled “Princess Tour”
The movie was originally titled “Princess Tour” before the title was changed to Roman Holiday.
The movie was inspired by the real-life adventures of European royalty
The concept for Roman Holiday was inspired by the clandestine escapades of European royalty in Rome during the 1950s.
Hepburn’s performance is considered one of the greatest in film history
Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Princess Ann is often hailed as one of the greatest performances in film history.
The film showcased the city of Rome in a romantic light
Roman Holiday beautifully captured the romantic ambiance and charm of Rome, making it a love letter to the city.
The screenplay was heavily influenced by screwball comedies
The witty dialogue and comedic elements of Roman Holiday were inspired by classic screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s.
The movie marked Hepburn’s first collaboration with Gregory Peck
Roman Holiday marked the first on-screen collaboration between Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, who would later become close friends.
The film was a critical success upon its release
Roman Holiday received rave reviews from critics, who praised its charming performances, screenplay, and direction.
The Vespa used in the film was donated to Audrey Hepburn
After filming, the Vespa used in the movie was gifted to Audrey Hepburn as a token of appreciation.
Roman Holiday was a career-defining role for Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn’s performance in Roman Holiday established her as a talented actress and opened doors for her future projects.
The film’s ending is bittersweet
The ending of Roman Holiday is both heartwarming and bittersweet, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Roman Holiday has inspired countless filmmakers
The film’s influence can be seen in numerous romantic comedies and travel-themed movies that followed its release.
The movie is known for its delightful humor
Roman Holiday is filled with delightful humor, adding to its appeal as a feel-good romantic comedy.
Hepburn’s screen test sealed the deal
Audrey Hepburn’s screen test for Roman Holiday impressed the filmmakers so much that she was immediately offered the lead role.
Roman Holiday was a departure from traditional princess stories
The movie’s storyline deviated from traditional fairy tale princess narratives, offering a fresh and adventurous take on the genre.
The film features an enchanting chemistry between its lead actors
The on-screen chemistry between Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck is electric, further enhancing the romantic storyline of the movie.
The characters embark on a whirlwind Roman adventure
Princess Ann and Joe Bradley’s journey throughout Rome is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers engaged.
Roman Holiday was a box office success
The film’s popularity translated into financial success, making it one of the highest-grossing films of its time.
The movie received numerous accolades
In addition to Audrey Hepburn’s Academy Award win, Roman Holiday received several other prestigious awards and nominations.
Roman Holiday remains a beloved classic
Even after all these years, Roman Holiday is still considered a beloved classic by audiences around the world.
The film’s screenplay was heavily rewritten
The initial screenplay underwent significant revisions to ensure a perfect balance of romance, humor, and charm.
Roman Holiday marked a turning point in Audrey Hepburn’s career
After the success of Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn went on to establish herself as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses.
The movie’s soundtrack is memorable
The beautiful and melodic score of Roman Holiday adds to the film’s charm and captures the essence of the story.
Conclusion
Roman Holiday is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. From its iconic performances by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck to its enchanting story set against the backdrop of Rome, this movie has stood the test of time. With its beautiful cinematography, memorable characters, and heartwarming moments, it is no wonder that Roman Holiday continues to be beloved by movie enthusiasts around the world.
FAQs
Q: When was Roman Holiday released?
A: Roman Holiday was released on August 27, 1953.
Q: Who are the main cast members of Roman Holiday?
A: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck are the main cast members of Roman Holiday.
Q: Who directed Roman Holiday?
A: Roman Holiday was directed by William Wyler.
Q: What is the plot of Roman Holiday?
A: Roman Holiday follows the story of a princess who escapes her royal duties and explores Rome with an American journalist.
Q: Was Roman Holiday critically acclaimed?
A: Yes, Roman Holiday was well-received by critics and audiences alike. It received numerous awards and nominations, including Academy Awards for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay.
Q: Is Roman Holiday a romantic comedy?
A: Yes, Roman Holiday is considered a romantic comedy due to its blend of romance and humor.
Q: Can you visit the locations featured in Roman Holiday?
A: Yes, many of the iconic locations in Rome that were featured in the movie can still be visited today, such as the Colosseum and the Mouth of Truth.
Q: Did Audrey Hepburn win an Oscar for Roman Holiday?
A: Yes, Audrey Hepburn won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Roman Holiday.
Q: Is Roman Holiday available on streaming platforms?
A: Yes, Roman Holiday is available for streaming on various platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Q: Why is Roman Holiday considered a classic?
A: Roman Holiday is considered a classic due to its timeless story, memorable performances, and its influence on subsequent romantic comedies.
Audrey Hepburn's captivating performance in Roman Holiday showcases her timeless charm and elegance, leaving audiences eager to explore more fascinating facts about her life and career. For film enthusiasts, delving into the world of classic films like The Thin Man Goes Home offers a delightful journey through cinematic history. Gregory Peck's collaboration with Hepburn in Roman Holiday marks just one of the many intriguing aspects of his remarkable acting legacy.
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