The first time I saw Roman Holiday as a little girl, my goal was to marry Gregory Peck. I was determined to be the next Mrs. Joe Bradley. He is the true definition of tall, (sort-of) dark, and (very, very) handsome!!

 

The movie is about a rebellious princess who, during a tour in Rome, runs away and falls asleep on a public bench. Joe Bradly, a news reporter, takes pity on her and finally allows her to sleep in his apartment, relegating her to his couch. When he finally recognizes who she is, he is determined to cash in, and even ropes in his photographer friend to document their time together. The two end up spending an entire 24 hours together on a rendezvous throughout Rome - sightseeing, dancing. Even though initially it was all based on a lie - Ann was a princess in hiding, while Joe hid his status as a news reporter aiming to get a hefty sum for a "personal" interview -- the two end up falling in love. The point is, you can find love in the most unexpected places. You just have to have an open mind - and heart. (Finding Lust is another story - for that I recommend hitting the bars where they make strong drinks.)

 

Sadly, Ann finally realizes that she cannot be with a newspaper reporter, and thus returns back to the embassy.

The movie ends with a press conference with the princess that Joe attends, during which he makes it clear that he will not sell the story. The final scene shows him all alone after Ann has left, lingering in the large hall, as if waiting for her return. Hopeful.

Even today when I watch the movie, my heart still hopes that at any moment, Princess Ann will come racing out. She'll jump into his arms and he'll whisk her away (on his hot Italian vespa, no less)

  

Oh, I don't care if you force me to sleep on your couch instead of your (twin-size) bed. Even if I were a princess, I would still marry you, Joe!!*

 

*When, as a seven-year-old, was finally told that Gregory Peck was older than my own grandfather, it was the biggest heartbreak of my little heart.