Sabrina [1954]

Coming after the likes of Sunset Boulevard, Ace in the Hole and Stalag 17, the three films that Wilder made prior to this, Sabrina might seem like a bolt from the blue. As opposed to the dark, cynical and pessimistic tones of the three previous films, particularly the 1^st two, Sabrina was humorous, charming, romantic and thoroughly delectable. It did have gray undertones in terms of its satire and underlying commentaries on social stratification and capitalistic pursuits; but it was a light-hearted fare on the whole filled with comic interludes, witty wisecracks and a heartwarming ending. The titular Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn), the pretty, young and naïve daughter of a chauffeur (John Williams), has always been in love with the dandy and fun-loving playboy David (William Holden), the younger son of the wealthy retired industrialist Oliver Larrabee (Walter Hampden), who her father works for. Linus (Humphrey Bogart), the workaholic elder son, manages the industrial empire he has inherited, and his life runs like an atomic clock. When Sabrina undergoes an image makeover in Paris, David falls heads over heels with her; however, since, that is a bad business proposal, Linus starts courting her with the hope of getting David married off to a more suitable candidate, but, as can be guessed, he starts falling for her as she starts bringing out the sentimental person concealed inside his seemingly implacable, commerce-minded exterior. Filled with a host of memorable moments – some comedic, while others melancholic – this highly enjoyable ride was made even more appealing by Bogart’s excellent turn as a tough man with a soft core, Hepburn’s lovable presence and easy charm, and the comic timings of Holden and Hampden. 

Director: Billy Wilder
Genre: Comedy/Romantic Comedy
Language: English
Country: US