It's amusing that "Roman Holiday" is regarded as a classic, one of the best romantic movies to be made, yet when new audiences watch it you often hear a grumble over the ending. It's as if new audiences have become so indoctrinated by modern formulaic romantic movies that anything which sways from the norm is automatically not right. It's a shame that they seem to miss the wonderful storyline, the light hearted comedy, the clever dialogue, performances and stunning locations which combine to make "Roman Holiday" but only really notice that the ending differs from what they deem as right and normal.

Whilst on a tour of European cities the young Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn - Always) grows tired of having her life organized and escapes whilst staying in Rome. Having fallen asleep on a street she is spotted by American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck - Only the Valiant) who not realising who he has found takes her back to his to sleep off what appears to be a night of too much drinking. Not until the next day does Joe realise that he has the Princess in his room and spotting a money making scoop decides to spend the day with her, showing her the delights of Rome whilst getting an exclusive with the Princess.

It has to be said that the storyline to "Roman Holiday" shares some similarities to Frank Capra's "It Happened One Night", a journalist stumbling across a major scoop when he finds himself in the company of a famous run away, in this case Princess Ann from an unnamed country. But rather than feeling like a remake or just a rehash of "It Happened One Night", "Roman Holiday" stands on it's own two feet with a wonderful crafted script full of romantic moments, light hearted dialogue a tender emotional side and of course the wonderful location having been set and filmed in Rome.

It almost feel simple and predictable as you know that Joe and Ann will end up falling for each other as they spend the day together even if they have secrets and ulterior motives. But in a way it doesn't matter because the events of their day together, the trouble they get in, the fun they have makes it all so special, truly romantic. Yet it's not predictable because "Roman Holiday" doesn't sell out delivering what now would be an obvious ending. It delivers a truly tender, touching, emotional climax which is a surprise but a good one, making it a far greater romantic drama than many wannabes.

But in between the predictable romance and the surprise ending "Roman Holiday" is jam packed full of memorable, delightful scenes. The scooter trip through the streets of Rome, dodging in and out of traffic and police or the iconic scene at the 'Mouth of Truth. They all come together beautifully so that you not only fall in love with Joe and Ann as a couple but also Rome itself, which makes me pretty sure that "Roman Holiday" must have done wonders for the tourist industry in Rome. In fact with "Roman Holiday" being completely shot on location in Rome it captures the whole beauty and feeling of the city, the magnificent old buildings, the coliseum, the whole vibrant life style with night time dances and street side cafes.

What brings this all together is not only the inspired casting but also the performances of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Peck is perfectly cast as the handsome, charming American journalist, believable as someone who has an eye for a scoop and an opportunity yet shows that softer side when it comes to Ann. From the minute he finds her sleeping on the streets through to the closeness which forms as they spend their day together it is a solid, believable performance from Peck who seems to revel in playing the romantic lead who gets to deliver some light hearted moments of comedy.

As for Audrey Hepburn in what was her first major role, well she is stunning, delightful and to be honest perfect in every sense of the word. As the young Princess forced to live life to a schedule you can sense the boredom she has for it and when it all finally gets too much she delivers that whole boiling over scene spectacularly. But equally when she becomes the royal runaway you get the sense of vibrancy, the lust for life from someone escaping the shackles of Royal protocol for the first time. You get that sense of innocence when it comes to life and how things work, such as paying for stuff and the value of money, but like with Peck there are those light hearted moments and Hepburn delivers them impeccably.

More importantly Peck and Hepburn work well together, believable as a couple who are falling for each other, despite barely sharing a kiss. It's so believable that it is all very touching and tender especially in those closing scenes which say more with just one look than a thousand words could ever say.

Of course Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn are not alone and Eddie Albert as photographer Irving Radovich is quite brilliant with his spy style camera in his cigarette lighter. He's that classic stooge in the three way storyline, being the butt of various jokes so that it doesn't end up just about Peck and Hepburn.

What this all boils down to is that "Roman Holiday" truly is a classic, a great romantic comedy which defies time as it's still as entertaining now as it has ever been. It may be quite simple, even predictable in places but it delivers warmth, emotion and an array of tender moments which so many romantic comedies fail to achieve. And in between the brilliant performances of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn and the memorable scenes such as the 'Mouth of Truth' it is a movie which stays with you long after you have watched it.