Roman Holiday

Wednesday 13 October at 7.30pm

William Wyler│USA│1953│118 mins│G

A central European princess (Audrey Hepburn in her first major role) skips out on her official schedule to enjoy Rome incognito, with an opportunistic reporter (Gregory Peck) in tow.

“This near-perfect romcom gave an unknown actress called Audrey Hepburn her ‘hello world’ moment in 1953 – making her an overnight star at 24. Hepburn sparkles as Princess Ann, an elfin European aristo bored to tears of ambassador’s receptions and majors with walrus moustaches. One night, during a state visit to Rome, she slips out of the palace to slum it with commoners – and falls into the clutches of an American reporter, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). ‘Is this the elevator?’ she asks sweetly, stepping into his tiny flat. Joe can’t believe his luck: here’s the scoop of the century.” – Time Out

“Wyler, working from a script by blacklistee Dalton Trumbo, lets much of the film pass without dialogue, allowing Hepburn’s immediate reactions (as enchantingly passionate now as they were 50 years ago, in what was her Hollywood debut) and her increasing physical closeness to Peck say what the characters can’t. The leisurely pace also allows for plenty of touristy gawking at the sights of Rome, and for viewers to project themselves into the sidewalk cafés, gelato stands, and crumbling ruins.” – Noel Murray, A.V. Club