Thus, Hunter’s name appeared in the film’s credits. Knowing it was special, he asked his screenwriter friend Ian McLellan Hunter to front for him. During that period he wrote the story for “Roman Holiday”. While blacklisted, he secretly continued to write screenplays (mostly “B” movies) using pseudonyms or having other writers put their names on his work. In addition to being blacklisted, he was fined and imprisoned for eleven months. In 1947, with the arrival of the McCarthy era (which I explain at the end of the “High Noon” entry), he was blacklisted and forbidden from working in the entertainment industry, as he was one of what was known as the “Hollywood Ten” (ten entertainment industry professionals who refused to testify before HUAC or name names). Among his most acclaimed screenplays at that time were “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo”, “Five Came Back", and “Kitty Foyle” for which he earned an Academy Award nomination. Prior to this film, Trumbo was one of Hollywood’s most successful and highest paid screenwriters. “Roman Holiday” was written by Dalton Trumbo, although if you were watching the film during its initial release you would think it was written by Ian McLellan Hunter. Like the minimally crowded landmarks in the film, “Roman Holiday” very much reflects an era gone by, as the story is tied to the days when the press was respected and being an American overseas carried regard. It was the 1950’s instagram! From the landlord to the cab driver, the Italian extras in the film are wonderfully colorful, and greatly enhance our Roman holiday. The princess even gets a gelato! This was a marvel for audiences, as international travel was nothing like today (pre-COVID), and they got to see landmarks previously only heard about. Action takes place in many famous sites, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and the Forum. Rome is a vital part of the film, for as “Princess Ann” tours the city, so do we. Wyler insisted “Roman Holiday” be shot entirely in Italy, and this film is noted as being the first Hollywood film to be completely shot on location abroad. Primarily known as a dramatic director, this was only his second comedy - his first being “The Gay Deception” in 1935. Wyler was exceptional with actors, and this is another instance where he led a newcomer to an Oscar win (as he did with Barbra Streisand in “Funny Girl” ). Wyler’s expertise and personality are evident right from the start, as he delightfully introduces us to “Princess Ann” - via her shoes. I’ve written about Wyler twice before (in “The Heiress” and “Funny Girl” posts) where you can read more about him. For this film he earned his ninth Best Director Academy Award nomination (out of twelve nominations and three wins), and his first of two Best Picture nominations as a producer. ![]() “Roman Holiday” was directed by William Wyler, one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and respected directors.
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