Roman Holiday: When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Directed by William Wyler, it stars Gregory Peck (Joe Bradley), Audrey Hepburn (Princess Ann) and Eddie Albert (Irving Radovich

The Roman Holiday is a black-and-white film released in 1953. It falls into the genres of epic, comedy, drama, and romance, and has been rated 8/10 on IMDb.

Directed by William Wyler, it stars Gregory Peck (Joe Bradley), Audrey Hepburn (Princess Ann) and Eddie Albert (Irving Radovich).

The plot is simple. Princess Ann is bored by her pretentious life and longs to escape the castle and experience the life of a commoner.

As she escapes, she runs into Joe Bradley and instantly falls in love. Joe Bradley is a journalist.

Joe has a meeting with the princess the morning after he rescues the princess. He reaches the office late and pretends that he had already conducted the interview. As the beans spill and the truth comes out, Joe is shocked to learn that the girl in his apartment and the princess are the same person.

Joe decides to cash in on the massive story and bets on it with his boss.

The way the film has been executed is remarkable. Both Joe and Ann have an electrifying onscreen chemistry. Ann is dainty and pretty, and Joe is sturdy, tall and good-looking. Despite their financial status being poles apart, the audience all at once can feel the spark of romance and love igniting between them.

The film beautifully captures the culture of the 1950,s. From the wired telephone sets to the kind of costumes worn by the actors reflect the mindset and the economic status of Rome at that time.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

You all have heard the saying. The statement is true, depicting Princess Ann’s desire to abide by the sentence.

The way Ann and Joe deliver their dialogues is phenomenal. Ann’s manner of communication is very royal and aristocratic. Joe, on the other hand, is brash and crude, not as refined.

The question the film poses is, will Ann be caught and forced to return to the castle? Or will she find freedom from the confines of the castle atlas?

Will Joe and the princess be united at the end, or will each one go their own way?

The film has its comic moments. The scene where Ann, Joe and Joe’s friend meet up, and Joe kicks him from under the table to stop him from saying too much is hilarious! It sends the audience into peals of laughter.

Although Joe has all the pictures to print his story, will he go ahead and embarrass the princess, or will he let the story go?

Is Joe a good human? Will Ann’s respect and privacy be of more importance to him, or will he just sell the story so that he can make more money?

The core question is clear: Is money more important than the values and memorable experiences that shape our lives?

The film also stresses how important memories and experiences are in life, more important than any riches!

Princess Ann is filthy rich, but she still yearns to be free! Her riches are confined to the castle alone. She wishes to live her life! And her running away from the prison (the castle) is what gives her thrill and joy. She is finally able to live her life to the fullest.

I would just like to wrap up with the saying”

“Die With Zero. Not to reach her before you die.”

This idea of ‘die with zero’ ties directly to the film’s message: the goal is not to die with the most money, but to die having fully lived and collected meaningful experiences, as Princess Ann does.

Ann’s experience roaming the streets of Rome was enough for her for a lifetime. She can now die peacefully, without any regrets whatsoever!

So watch the film if you still haven’t seen it. It is a worthwhile experience. Kudos!