Imperial Theatre's marquee sign featuring Roman Holiday (Credit: Elizabeth MacLeod)
The Imperial Theatre is screening the delightful and slightly bittersweet 1953 classic Roman Holiday as part of its Retro Film series. Recent retro screenings include Jaws, The Philadelphia Story and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.
The film was directed by William Wyler, (Ben-Hur) about a frustrated princess and savvy reporter who embark on a whirlwind sightseeing day trip throughout Rome.
“The film is a true American classic and should be seen on the big screen,” said Imperial Theatre Executive Assistant Director, Bethany Stout.
Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn plays Ann, a crown princess who gives her retinue the slip in Rome, who ends up in the company of American reporter Joe Bradley, played by Gregory Peck, (To Kill a Mockingbird).
Joe was sent to cover the royal press conference and soon recognizes Ann as the princess, but decides to play innocent in order to get a chance for an exclusive interview. The pair grow closer as they enjoy the day in Rome, despite the differences between them.
Shot entirely in Rome, its protagonists visiting many of the city’s most famous landmarks, from the Colosseum to the Piazza Venezia to the Trevi Fountain. Roman Holiday was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won three; Audrey Hepburn for Best Actress, Edith Head, (All About Eve) for Best Costume Design and Dalton Trumbo, (Spartacus) for Best Story.
The film is intertwined with the Hollywood blacklist, which was at its height in the 1950’s. Blacklisted director Bernard Vohaus, (Money For Speed) worked as an assistant director on the film while John Dighton, (The Devil’s Disciple), and Trumbo wrote the screenplay.
Trumbo did not receive credit for his screenplay — due to being blacklisted as a named Communist sympathizer — even though he won an Academy Award; screenwriter Ian McLellan Hunter, (The Defenders) fronted for Trumbo. Fortunately there is a happy ending; in 2003 Trumbo’s writing credit was reinstated when the film was released on DVD with his full credit later restored in 2011.
Roman Holiday does not give audiences the ending they perhaps want, but crystallizes the feeling of the rare perfect days that occur through life how they become treasured experiences.
If you go: Roman Holiday is screening at the Imperial Theatre Monday, January 27, 2020. Tickets are $10 with showtime at 7:00 pm.
