Featuring Hollywood legends Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck,Roman Holidayis a classic romantic comedy that still holds up with modern audiences, largely because of its bold ending. Amovie set in the romantic backdrop of Rome, Italy, Princess Ann is on a royal tour when she has a mental breakdown due to stress. After running away into the city, she meets American journalist Joe Bradley, who mistakes her for being drunk and takes her to his home to sleep it off. Though she keeps her true identity a secret, Joe finds out who she really is and secretly plans to write an article about her.
A huge hit with critics and the awards circuit, 1953’sRoman Holidayearned several accolades, including 10 Academy Award nominations, and three wins for Best Actress for Hepburn, Best Story, and Best Costume Design. The film was listed in the U.S. National Film Registry, and is number four in the AFI 10 Top 10 under romantic comedy. As a true classic,Roman Holidayexceeds expectations, and it has one of themost memorable endings in Hollywood romance history.
What Happens At The End Of Roman Holiday
Ann & Joe Go Their Separate Ways
Though it may be an iconic, romantic comedy Joe and Ann do not end up together at the end ofRoman Holiday. It’s a bittersweet conclusion which, at the time, may have been a shock to many viewers. After her excursion in Rome, Princess Ann returns to the embassy, and soon after holds a press conference. Seeing Joe among the press, she is clearly surprised. Yet she keeps her cool, and looks happy to see him, even as it dawns on her that he is actually a journalist.
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During the press conference, one of the reporters asks Ann what her favorite city to visit has been since her tour began. Ann thinks for a moment before unequivocally answering, “Rome. By all means, Rome.” A dreamy smile forms on hr face, and the camera cuts to Joe’s reaction as well, as he smiles up at her. Ann then walks through the line of journalists and shakes their hands, including Joe’s. His photographer, Irving, hands Ann all of the photos he took of her in secret that day, as reassurance.
Joe waits until the room has emptied out, still watching where Ann has left
As Ann returns to the front of the room,she looks out over the crowd and gives them another dazzling smile, and her gaze lingers on Joe, who smiles back. She then leaves the room with her entourage, and the press begins to file out of the building. Joe waits until the room has emptied out, still watching where Ann has left, before turning and slowly walking away as the camera follows him.
Questions That Roman Holiday Leaves Unanswered
Audiences Are Clamoring To Know Why Joe Didn’t Pursue Ann After The Press Conference
With their romantic journey at an end,Roman Holidaystill leaves some lingering questions.Using their facial expressions to tell the story rather than dialogue, Peck and Hepburn’s characters express their thoughts and emotions without saying a word to one another in the film’s final scene. Even amidst the shocking discovery that Joe was a reporter all along, Ann simply continues to smile for the crowd. Is it an act, or is she truly happy, despite the revelation? After all,Joe did lie to her about his motivations for spending time with her. Shouldn’t she be furious?
While being angry at Joe for his dishonesty would surely be justified, it’s very doubtful that is the case. In fact, Joe’s presence at the conference seems to be what has given Ann so much joy. The deception appears to have been completely forgotten — in the moment, at least.
Another question that baffled audiences iswhy Joe didn’t go after Ann following the press conference. He could have apologized and tried to explain his actions, or even attempted to continue their romance. The ending is left purposely ambiguous, and for all viewers know, maybe the two of them did meet up later off-screen. Maybe Ann and Joe ran off together, and Ann gave up her royal duties to be with the man she loved. Who can say for certain?
How Roman Holiday Changed The Romantic Comedy Genre
In the yearsleading up toRoman Holiday’s release, many Hollywood rom-coms of the 1940s and ‘50s had a very similar formula: boy meets girl, they fall in love, and live happily ever after. These feel-good romances are fun crowd-pleasers, but they don’t leave much to the imagination. More often than not, the leading man received the majority of screen time while the woman had very little, and her character was often underdeveloped.
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WithRoman Holiday,the romantic comedy genre was given a refreshing new perspective.Instead of the focus being on Peck’s character, Hepburn’s Princess Ann shines in the spotlight.She is a woman who is exhausted by the expectations placed on her, and she finally gets a chance to truly be herself and enjoy life. Without the restraints of royalty, Ann is charmingly imperfect, spontaneous, and charismatic. The audience can’t help but fall in love with her, just as Joe does.
Another rom-com trope thatRoman Holidaythrows out on its ear is the couple ending up together, oftentimes getting married. Instead, it appears that Joe and Ann go their separate ways. It might not be a fairy tale ending, but in a way, it’s much more satisfying. More and more romance movies sinceRoman Holidayhave gone the same route, as recently as the acclaimed musical comedy,La La Land.The 1967 comedyThe Graduatefollowed a similar vein, with Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross’s character running off together toward an uncertain future.
The Real Meaning Of Roman Holiday Explained
It’s About Still Being Happy With A Romance That Doesn’t End In Happily Ever
The final scene inRoman Holidayis so iconic, it’s hard to imagine it ending any other way. Still, some fans of the movie may need a little further explanation. Let’s start with the evolution of Joe Bradley; at first, all Joe cares about is getting the exclusive story with Princess Ann and getting a fat paycheck from his boss. By the end,Joe has fallen in love with her, and sympathizes with her plight.
As for Ann, she has lived her entire life for others, and strives to be perfect for the public eye. With the freedom of anonymity, Ann is able to fully explore the joys of life and figure out who she truly is. However,she recognizes that her time in Rome is only a brief reprieve, and she will have to return to her duties eventually.
Roman Holidayis about how the happily ever ending isn’t always attainable, but that doesn’t mean these romances aren’t worth it
Ultimately,Roman Holidayis about how the happily ever ending isn’t always attainable, but that doesn’t mean these romances aren’t worth it, as they help us evolve as people, often with joyful experiences along the way. And that’s exactly what happened with Ann and Joe.
An undeniable fact that hovers over both characters is that the two of them are from very different worlds — and not just geographically speaking. Ann is royalty, and has a responsibility to lead her country one day. Joe, on the other hand, is a newsman, and a commoner. Though they have fallen in love, the logistics of their relationship would never work. Even so, theRoman Holidayprotagonists can each reflect on what the other has given them — not only an unforgettable romance, but a new lease on life.
Roman Holiday
Cast
Roman Holiday is a romantic comedy set in Rome, following Princess Ann, who escapes her royal duties for a day of freedom. When she crosses paths with American reporter Joe Bradley, misunderstandings and unexpected connections unfold, as he initially seeks an exclusive interview but encounters unforeseen romance.
