The first time I saw Roman Holiday two years ago, it swept me into the realm of enchantment, and whizzed right back into the world of reality! Much like the logic of the story. My brother said that if made today the ending wouldn't appeal to the audience. How should it end? I asked. Have a direct heir to the throne marry the commoner? Live happily ever after. That would be pure fantasy. He didn't mean it that way, he said. It's just that Audrey has touched him - he couldn't help but wish a happier ending for Princess Ann.
A Cinderella story in reverse, Roman Holiday revolves around a princess who escapes from her royal entourage for a little adventure on her own as an ordinary tourist, like you and me. The movie is swift paced, with tightly knitted winning scenes from a superb bunch of actors.
I play Roman Holiday whenever I feel low, or in dire need of some reality check. It serves as my wake up call from the "mean reds." A jolt into reality! After all "Life is not always what one likes," Gregory Peck as Joe Bradley puts it.
Above all else, it's Audrey -- whose Princess Ann fascinates me no end. I especially enjoy the scenes -- where Princess Ann takes off her shoe -- reacts to the nudge of the ambassador cuing her to sit while still tracing the shoe with her foot. In Joe Bradley's pad where she wakes up, she mesmerizes me with her spontaneity. Watch the part where she accepts the flowers with but a thank you handshake as royalties do, then apologizes with a cute shrug and a tilt of the head. Princess Ann is enchantingly delightful.
