Picture of Roman Holiday

“[William] Wyler had an equally difficult time finding the perfect Princess Ann. His first choice was Elizabeth Taylor, but MGM wouldn't loan her out to Paramount. He then became a champion of Jean Simmons, but billionaire Howard Hughes had Simmons under an exclusive contract and wouldn't loan her out either. Wyler then went on an European tour to look for a new discovery to play the princess. Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures production chief Richard Mealand was pushing a young Belgian born actress named Audrey Hepburn, whom he had seen in a small part in the British movie, Laughter in Paradise (1951). Paramount gave Hepburn an unusual screen test -- she was interviewed after acting out a scene in the script -- that allowed her natural charisma and youthful radiance to shine through. Wyler's verdict was ‘absolutely charming,’ and, from that moment, Hepburn was the only choice to play Princess Ann.”

— From The Making of Roman Holiday