This bittersweet William Wyler romance is like an extended tourism commercial for Rome. The city that gives the film its name snares as much screen time as either of its two stars, and it looks just as beautiful.
Speaking of beauty, this film's strongest selling point is its position as a vehicle for Audrey Hepburn, who burst on to the movie scene with this film and became one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. Many of the roles she played subsequently to this one had the same flavor -- she excelled at playing winsome waifs who were always just a tad too pristine for the rough world of men surrounding them --- think of her in "Sabrina" or "My Fair Lady." Here she gets to ride on the back of a motor scooter driven by Gregory Peck, and show off that dazzling smile. However, a happy ending for the charismatic couple is not to be, as this princess who gets to be a peasant for a day must accept her responsibility and go back to being a princess once more. It's slightly ironic that a star whose appeal rested on her uncanny glamour appeared in role after role that highlighted the limits which glamour can place on the world of those who suffer from it.
Aside from its leading lady, the film itself is nothing special. Wyler provides solid if unfancy direction, and the story doesn't go anywhere you're not expecting it to. Eddie Albert provides some fine support as a randy photographer, but don't let anyone kid you into thinking that this movie belongs to anyone but Audrey Hepburn.
Grade: B
Speaking of beauty, this film's strongest selling point is its position as a vehicle for Audrey Hepburn, who burst on to the movie scene with this film and became one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. Many of the roles she played subsequently to this one had the same flavor -- she excelled at playing winsome waifs who were always just a tad too pristine for the rough world of men surrounding them --- think of her in "Sabrina" or "My Fair Lady." Here she gets to ride on the back of a motor scooter driven by Gregory Peck, and show off that dazzling smile. However, a happy ending for the charismatic couple is not to be, as this princess who gets to be a peasant for a day must accept her responsibility and go back to being a princess once more. It's slightly ironic that a star whose appeal rested on her uncanny glamour appeared in role after role that highlighted the limits which glamour can place on the world of those who suffer from it.
Aside from its leading lady, the film itself is nothing special. Wyler provides solid if unfancy direction, and the story doesn't go anywhere you're not expecting it to. Eddie Albert provides some fine support as a randy photographer, but don't let anyone kid you into thinking that this movie belongs to anyone but Audrey Hepburn.
Grade: B