Barnes & Noble

A charming and poignant fairy tale, Roman Holiday stars that most ethereal and graceful of actresses, Audrey Hepburn, in a role that nearly rivals her dizzying turn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The plot? Once upon a time, a lovely princess tired of her ivory tower sheds her identity the romantic city of Rome with the help of a handsome American journalist (played by Gregory Peck). Though he initially cares more for the princess' story than for the woman herself, his sentiments gradually shift, deepening and enhancing the movie's emotional impact. Shot on location, scene after scene captures the city's magic, allowing the audience to share the princess' joy in her newfound liberty. Whether she's swimming in the Tiber, smoking a cigarette for the very first time, or walking through glamorous mirrored halls -- an image that mulitplies the loneliness of her aristocratic life -- each experience fairly sparkles -- and is made all the more touching by the knowledge that it may be only fleeting. Beautifully directed by William Wyler (Mrs. Miniver, The Best Years of Our Lives,), and written by the esteemed Dalton Trumbo (Spartacus), this is Hollywood romanticismat its finest -- visually stunning, psychologically complex, and plotted with an emotional punch that makes tissues are essential as popcorn. Karen Backstein

All Movie Guide

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

Product Details

• UPC: 097360620443
• Source: PARAMOUNT
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
• Presentation: B&W
• Sound: Dolby Digital Mono
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 1:58:00
• Sales Rank: 2,027

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Audrey Hepburn Collection
• Audrey Hepburn Collection

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