Roman Holiday (1953)
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98% of critics liked it
(44 reviews) -
92% of users liked it
(59,948 ratings)
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… More 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, Rovi
- Directed By
- William Wyler
- Written By
- Dalton Trumbo, John Dighton
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Classics, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Sep 2, 1953 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
Critic Reviews
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, TIME Magazine
The newcomer named Audrey Hepburn gives the popular old romantic nonsense a reality it has seldom had before.
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James Berardinelli, ReelViews
For lovers of romantic comedies through the ages, Roman Holiday remains a favorite.
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Variety Staff, Variety
[Wyler] times the chuckles with a never-flagging pace, puts heart into the laughs, endows the footage with some boff bits of business and points up some tender, poignant scenes in using the smart script and the cast to the utmost advantage.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Wyler lays out all the elements with care and precision, but the romantic comedy never comes together -- it's charm by computer.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The movie remains a great tonic.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Audrey Hepburn
as Princess Anne
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Gregory Peck
as Joe Bradley
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Eddie Albert
as Irving Radovich
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Hartley Power
as Mr. Hennessey
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Harcourt Williams
as Ambassador
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Margaret Rawlings
as Countess Vereberg
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Tullio Carminatti
as Gen. Provno
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Paolo Carlini
as Mario Delani
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Claudio Ermelli
as Giovanni
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Paola Borboni
as Charwoman
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Alfredo Rizzo
as Cab driver
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Laura Solari
as Hennessy's Secretary
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Gorella Gori
as Shoe Seller
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Princess Alma Cattaneo
as Lady-in-Waiting
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Andre Eszterhazy
as Embassy Staff
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George Higgins
as Correspondent
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Heinz Hindrich
as Dr. Bonnachoven
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Edward Hitchcock
as Chief of Correspondents
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John Horne
as Master of Ceremonies
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Princess Lilamani
as The Raikuuari of Khanipur
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Giacomo Penza
as Papal Nuncio Monsignor Altomonto
- Giuliano Raffaelli
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Carlo Rizzo
as Police man
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Marco Tulli
as Dancer
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Tania Weber
as Irving's Model
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Maurizio Arena
as Driver
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Richard McNamara
as Correspondent
- Gianna Segale
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Mimmo Poli
as Worker
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John Cortay
as Correspondent



