Storyline: Ann (Audrey Hepburn) is a Princess on visit to Rome having her official stay in the Embassy. She is frustrated with her royal lifestyle and wants a break from her daily official schedules which is not allowed by her authorities. She is seducted by the latter and under the seduction she escapes from the Embassy into the open town. There she encounters Joe (Gregory Peck), a journalist for American News Service, who takes her to his house and shelters her for the night. Joe learns that Ann is the Crown Princess and promises a personal interview with her to his superior for a big pay pack. Ann after revealing her identity denies the interview and leaves on her own to explore Rome as a common lady. Joe follows her and becomes part of her adventure for the day and also assists her wherever necessary when she is in trouble from the public who are unaware of her true identity. In this brief journey they fall in love, but do not admit to each other. Suddenly Ann realizes her responsibility as the responsible representative of her country and returns to the Embassy after thanking him for the wonderful experience for the day and bidding good bye to Joe. Subsequently, Joe cancels his idea of publishing her photographs taken secretly during her outing and prepares to take a plunge in his career. Finally, the movie ends with Ann calling for a special journalist meet when she receives the photographs of the sweet memories of Rome and Joe from his friend and both Ann and Joe walk away in opposite directions, surprising the viewer.
Pros: A pure sentimental romantic comedy wherein a Crown Princess is shown to mingle with the common people of Rome as a common lady. Her small adventures in the city are quite witty and entertaining. For a film made in the 1950’s, the story was quite novel. Audrey’s simple physique and her mannerisms take the viewer to falling in love with her if he/she were in Gregory’s position. Audrey’s facial expressions always scintillate the viewer because of the simplicity she shows in every expression whatever may be the emotion. Her Diana cut hairstyle truly reveals her Cinderellan look. A revisit of Rome in 1950s is a feast to the eye in every frame. Music by Georges and Victor keep the audience involved in the movie throughout. Reality of the Princess parting away from the man she loved, for her country’s pride, is truly inspiring unlike other regular love stories.
Cons: I somehow felt that Gregory Peck was looking a bit little old or elder in his looks to Audrey as a lover. Should have given him a younger look. Roman Government’s inability to find out where the missing Princess until the official Royal spies entered Rome, in order to find her, seems to have degraded Roman Government security. It could be shown as a joint operation at least.
My rating is 4 out of 5
