Roman Holiday Overview:

Roman Holiday (1953) was a Comedy - Drama Film directed by William Wyler and produced by William Wyler, Robert Wyler and Lester Koenig.

SYNOPSIS

Hepburn steps lightly into the starring spotlight with this whimsical romance. As a rebellious young princess who longs to see the world beyond her velvet prison, Hepburn steals away from her entourage and links up with reporter Peck, who's been trying to get a glimpse of the beautiful royal. The two fall in love as they evade the prying eyes of other reporters and Hepburn's guardians. The Oscar-winning story from then-blacklisted Trumbo was fronted by McLellan Hunter; Trumbo was awarded a posthumous Oscar in 1993.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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Roman Holiday was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1999.

Academy Awards 1953 --- Ceremony Number 26 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Supporting ActorEddie AlbertNominated
Best ActressAudrey HepburnWon
Best Art DirectionArt Direction: Hal Pereira, Walter TylerNominated
Best CinematographyFrank Planer, Henri AlekanNominated
Best Costume DesignEdith HeadWon
Best DirectorWilliam WylerNominated
Best Film EditingRobert SwinkNominated
Best PictureWilliam Wyler, ProducerNominated
Best WritingDalton TrumboWon
Best WritingIan McLellan Hunter, John DightonNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

The Making of Roman Holiday

By Amanda Garrett on May 5, 2018 From Old Hollywood Films

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck on the Spanish Steps in Roman Holiday (1953). Roman Holiday (1953) is one of old Hollywood's most beloved films, featuring a star-making performance by Audrey Hepburn and beautiful location shooting in the Eternal City. In honor of the upcoming wedding of Prince ... Read full article


Roman Holiday (1953): Escapism and Why That’s Okay Sometimes

By 4 Star Film Fan on May 18, 2017 From 4 Star Films

I’ve made a point of suggesting that the reason that I return to movies, again and again, is not because I go to them as an outlet of escapism but for the fact that films give us a little bit more insight into the lives we lead as human beings. In some ways, you could say I’ve even vehem... Read full article


Roman Holiday (1953): Escapism and Why That’s Okay Sometimes

By 4 Star Film Fan on May 18, 2017 From 4 Star Films

I’ve made a point of suggesting that the reason that I return to movies, again and again, is not because I go to them as an outlet of escapism but for the fact that films give us a little bit more insight into the lives we lead as human beings. In some ways, you could say I’ve even vehem... Read full article


A Princesa e o Plebeu / Roman Holiday (1953)

By L? on Dec 5, 2015 From Critica Retro

A Princesa e o Plebeu / Roman Holiday (1953) Se voc? gosta de filmes antigos, j? deve ter passado por esta situa??o: na ?nsia de compartilhar sua paix?o com as pessoas ao seu redor, recebeu como resposta uma careta e a recusa veemente de parar para ver um filme “velho”, em preto e... Read full article


On Location: Roman Holiday (1953)

By Julia on Nov 29, 2015 From Cinema Crossroads

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck Whenever I travel, I love visiting the filming locations of my favorite movies. This post is the first in my “On Location” series. One of my all-time favorite movies is hitting theaters again this week thanks to TCM and Fathom Events, who are sponsoring a... Read full article


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Quotes from

Joe Bradley: Now, come on. You're not that drunk.
Princess Ann: [laughing] If you're so smart I'm not drunk at all. I'm just being
[her head falls against his chest]
Princess Ann: verrrrry haaaappy...


Princess Ann: I hate this nightgown. I hate all my nightgowns, and I hate all my underwear too.
Countess: My dear, you have lovely things.
Princess Ann: But I'm not two hundred years old. Why can't I sleep in pajamas?
Countess: Pajamas?
Princess Ann: Just the top part. Did you know that there are people who sleep with absolutely nothing on at all?
Countess: I rejoice to say I do not.


Irving Radovich: Hit him again, Smitty!


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Facts about

At the end of production, Paramount Studios presented Audrey Hepburn with her entire wardrobe from the film, including hats, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. These gifts were intended as wedding presents; however, soon after production, Hepburn ended her engagement to James (later Lord) Hanson, a businessman.
Gregory Peck's role was originally written with Cary Grant in mind. Grant, however, turned the role down as he believed he was too old to play Audrey Hepburn's love interest. He did, however, play her on-screen love ten years later in Charade. The two became firm friends working on the film, and Grant considered her one of his favorite actresses to work with.
Ann and Joe get into an argument over which poet wrote the words that Ann quotes, "Arethusa rose from her couch of snows in the Acroceraunian mountains." Joe was right; it's from the poem "Arethusa" by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
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National Film Registry

Roman Holiday

Released 1953
Inducted 1999
(Sound)




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