ROMAN HOLIDAY

While on a goodwill tour in 1950’s Rome, the young Princess of England becomes tired of her duties and decides to run off for a few hours in ROMAN HOLIDAY. Princess Ann (played by Audrey Hepburn) sneaks out of the Embassy one night. An American reporter, Bradley (portrayed by Gregory Peck), finds the young girl and the two spend the next day doing what she has never been able to do before: whatever she wants. Bradley hooks up with a photographer friend, who candidly takes pictures to go with the story of the year as the trio see the sights, take a ride on a motorbike and explore Rome incognito. At the end of the day, the pair face the awkwardness of their situation. Ann must decide whether to return to her duties, and Joe must decide whether to print a story that he knows would be scandalous to his new-found friend.

ROMAN HOLIDAY is thoroughly enjoyable. Audrey Hepburn is adorable as the Princess, a part that earned her a much-deserved Academy award. Except for some smoking and casual drinking, the movie is appropriate for all viewers. Under the direction of William Wyler, the viewer is invited to join in a most captivating excursion through one enjoyable scene after another. While the humor is forced on perhaps a couple of occasions, most of the comedy is presented in a refreshingly subtle, yet delightfully sparkling, manner. This is one HOLIDAY worth taking.