ROMAN HOLIDAY
US, 1987, 100 minutes, Colour.
Tom Conti, Catherine Oxenburg, Ed Begley Jr, Eileen Atkins.
Directed by Noel Nossek.
Roman Holiday is a telemovie remake of the 1953 William Wyler classic with Gregory Peck, Oscar-winning Audrey Hepburn and Eddie Albert.
There does not seem to be a major reason for this telemovie remake. Tom Conti lacks the icon presence and even charm of Gregory Peck. Catherine Oxenburg is attractive but does not have the fey style of Audrey Hepburn. Ed Begley Jnr does not have much to do as the photographer.
There is a British supporting cast, wonderful Roman scenery, a basically entertaining but now familiar story.
1. Entertaining telemovie? Comparisons with the original? Purpose of a remake?
2. Roman locations, the tourist touch? Musical score?
3. The title, the irony with memories of Ancient Rome? With the original story?
4. The princess, background of European royalty, on official tours, the pressure on a young woman, her daily rounds? Her minders? Pressure, the decision to run away, on the park bench, encountering Joe, the night in his apartment, not remembering, gratitude to him, borrowing the money, her not telling the truth? Going out in Rome, buying new clothes, attracted by the city, the people, singing the song? On the motor scooter, the police and her saying she had to go to a wedding and getting the escort? With Leonard? The enjoyment of the day? The phone call? Her decision to go back, the bond with Joe? Discussions with her father? With the protocol managers? The press conference, her diplomatic way of talking with Joe and Leonard? Going back to her job and official statements? The effect of the Roman holiday?
5. Joe, the jaded reporter, the story of the cats? At home, seeing the princess in the street with the prostitutes, not recognising her? The taxi, taking her home, looking after her? The phone call from the boss, the television coverage, the realisation of who she was? The plan to get an interview? Ringing Leonard? Their working together? The outing, entertaining the princess, the photographs? The effect on him, coming alive? The nightclub, the Secret Service, the fight? Her going back? The photos, his decision to give them back to her, the press conference? The effect on him?
6. Leonard, skilled photographer, friendship with Joe, the outing with the princess, the photos, giving them to Joe?
7. European royalty, protocol, the king and his coming to Rome, his own past, discussions with the officials? The princess's chaperone and her concern?
8. Popular fairy tale - given the modern style?
