Roman Holiday (1953)

Many could easily make a case to dismiss this William Wyler classic as a simple "chick flick" — but I beg to differ.  I consider myself to be just as much of a red-blooded, football-watchin', testosterone-filled, all-American Neanderthal as the next guy, and I contend that Roman Holiday has plenty to interest the gentlemen viewers as well.

Sure, on the surface, this Cinderella-esque narrative about a European princess who slips the strict guard of her royal entourage to seek out romance and adventure disguised as a poor commoner in the streets of Rome will tend to appeal to a female audience, but there's plenty here to attract the guys, too:  a police chase through the streets of Rome, a great fight scene, loads of witty dialogue, and Gregory Peck's best effort at playing an opportunistic reprobate (although, I must admit, Cary Grant, who was originally sought for the role, might have pulled it off better).  As the runaway princess having her first, and perhaps only, chance at experiencing true freedom, Audrey Hepburn is beautiful and disarming in her Oscar-winning Hollywood debut (and far better than Liz Taylor, Wyler's first choice for the role, would have been).



Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo with wife Cleo Fincher in 1947.



Great acting, a terrific — and finally recognized and credited — Dalton Trumbo script (Trumbo wrote the screenplay under a pseudonym as one of the infamous "Hollywood Ten," black-listed for refusing to testify about supposed communist ties before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947.) , and incredible locations make this a gem.  Oh, and the DVD is packed with nice extras and an incredible digital restoration of the picture and sound.

Guys, please, there is no shame in enjoying this one, and pulling this out to watch with the lady in your life just might earn you a few romance points!

RATED 5 STARS: HOME-MADE, WHIRLEY-POPPED, AND LAYERED IN REAL BUTTER...YUMMM!