One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!***
136. Roman Holiday (1953) Directed by William Wyler
The Movie: Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) is on a tour of European cities. She grows tired of the duties that she must attend to as a princess and longs to just have fun.
Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) is an American journalist who is reporting for “American News Services” in Rome. Fate intervenes when Princess Ann escapes from her embassy while on the influence of a drug given to her by her doctor and Joe finds Princess Ann, a little worse for wear. Not realizing that she is Princess Ann.
Thinking that she is just drunk, Joe arranges for her to get a cab and take her to wherever she wants to go. The cabbie does not want the responsibility of taking care of so she stays the night in Joe’s apartment.
The next morning Joe learns from his editor Mr. Hennessy (Hartley Power) that the Princess had a sudden illness and when Hennessy shows Joe a picture of Ann, he realizes that the woman in his apartment is the Princess. Joe tells his editor that he will get an exclusive interview with the Princess. He offers Joe $5,000 for the story but bets him only $500 he won’t be able to get the interview.
When Joe gets back to his apartment, he offers to take “Anya” around town, on a Vespa. She declines and goes exploring on her own. Joe follows her and “happens” to run into Ann. Joe is able to convince Ann to spend the day with him this and they go to several places including the Colosseum.
Later in the night they go a party, where she is spotted and taken away by government officials to bring her back to the embassy. Joe and his friends are able to wrestle her away from the officials and they run away. Joe is knocked into the water and Ann jumps right in after him. As they get out of the water, they kiss on the riverbank and head back to Joe’s apartment. While drying her clothes, Ann tells Joe that she must go back to the embassy and fulfill her Royal Duties.
Joe drops Ann off around the corner of the embassy and they kiss one last time. Joe informs his cameraman Irving (Eddie Albert) that he will not write the story about the day he spent with the Princess, but that Irving is free to sell the photos.
The next day, when Ann meets the press and as she greets them all, Irving gives her all the photos he took of her. Ann and Joe have small talk and she leaves. Joe leaves too, alone.
Why I Love Roman Holiday: Maybe the most adorable romantic comedy of all time. Everything in Roman Holiday works. The amazing location adds to great cinematography and an exotic feel to the film. The chemistry between Peck and Hepburn is also second to none. Peck is always a charmer and Hepburn is so easy to love.
Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, which Hepburn won it is an easy film to love. Hepburn is great being funny and proper. The heartbreaking ending just adds to how great the film is. A lot of times Hollywood will look for a way to have the romantic interests end up together, here they are kept apart, and the way the film unfolds, it breaks your heart.
Interesting note on the film. The picture won best story at the Academy Awards, however due to the writer of the film, Dalton Trumbo being black listed in Hollywood, Ian McLellan Hunter fronted for him and took the writing credit for the film. Trumbo would not receive the recognition he deserved until 1993.
Roman Holiday is a beautiful film, shot in a beautiful location that is the best that Hollywood has to offer.