Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday

Year: 1953

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: William Wyler

DramaComedyRomance

In this charming tale of royal rebellion and chance encounters, a young princess trades tiara for tennis shoes, embarking on a whirlwind adventure through the Eternal City with an American journalist. As they navigate the cobblestone streets and hidden piazzas of Rome, their unlikely friendship blossoms into something more, all captured by the keen eye of a curious cameraman.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Roman Holiday yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Roman Holiday (1953)
Trace every key event in Roman Holiday (1953) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Princess Ann's Tour Begins

Princess Ann, a royal princess of an unspecified country, embarks on a grand tour of various European capitals. This tour is heavily publicized, and her every moment is meticulously planned by her staff.

2

Rebellion in Rome

During her stay in Rome, Princess Ann reaches a breaking point with her monotonous schedule and official duties. After receiving a sedative from her doctor to help her sleep, she makes a bold decision to escape her royal obligations.

Rome
3

A Night Out in the City

Under the alias 'Anya Smith,' Ann explores the vibrant streets of Rome on her own. She longs to experience freedom and the joy of living like an ordinary person away from her princely duties.

Rome
4

Meeting Joe Bradley

While resting on a public bench, Princess Ann meets Joe Bradley, an American expatriate journalist. Unaware of her true identity, Joe offers her money for a taxi, but instead, she insists on visiting the Colosseum first.

Public Bench in Rome
5

First Night Together

After realizing the risks of leaving her alone in the city, Joe invites Ann to spend the night at his apartment. Amused by her royal demeanor, he finds himself sharing his bed with her, while he takes the uncomfortable couch.

Joe's Apartment
6

The Morning After

The next morning, Joe struggles to wake Ann and heads off to work. At his job, he learns about a canceled press conference with the princess, leading him to realize the woman in his apartment is actually Princess Ann.

Newsroom
7

The Exclusive Bet

Joe's editor threatens to fire him if he doesn’t cover the story about the missing princess. Sensing an opportunity, Joe bets that he can secure an exclusive interview with Ann, which ignites his determination.

Newsroom
8

Touring Rome

Joe takes on the role of tour guide and invites Ann to explore Rome. Their adventures include a memorable ride on a Vespa and visiting popular landmarks that showcase the city's enchanting charm.

Rome
9

A Dance on a Boat

During a night of dancing on a boat, Princess Ann and Joe's bond deepens as they enjoy the moment together. Unbeknownst to them, government agents close in to reclaim the runaway princess.

Boat on the River
10

The Chase

As government agents attempt to escort Ann back to the embassy, a chaotic melee ensues, allowing Joe and Ann to escape into the night. In the midst of the turmoil, their feelings for each other strengthen.

Rome
11

The Heartfelt Goodbye

Realizing their time together is limited, Ann bids a heartfelt farewell to Joe without revealing her true identity. She returns to the embassy with a heavy heart, leaving Joe pondering their connection.

Embassy
12

The News Conference

The following day, Princess Ann makes a public appearance at the delayed press conference. She is greeted by the press, including Joe and his photographer friend Irving, unaware of what they know.

Press Conference
13

Irving's Gift

Irving, having taken secret photographs of their adventures, presents Ann with the pictures as a memento. This moment highlights their shared experiences and the budding romance that unfolded.

Press Conference
14

A Coded Message of Love

During her press conference, Ann manages to slip a coded message of love to Joe amidst her bland statements. This moment reveals the depth of her feelings and the impact Joe had on her fleeting freedom.

Press Conference
15

Lingering Thoughts

As the conference concludes, Joe reflects on the time spent with Ann, contemplating the possibilities of what could have been. He is left with a sense of longing and unanswered questions.

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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