Sabrina (1954) (BD) [Blu-ray]

"Sabrina" is one of those movies that just makes you sigh with contentment. It's a classic for a reason, and even after all these years, it still feels fresh and utterly delightful.Audrey Hepburn is, of course, absolutely luminous. She brings such a delicate grace and sophistication to the role of Sabrina, transitioning from a lovestruck chauffeur's daughter to a poised and captivating woman. You can't help but fall in love with her.And the dynamic between Humphrey Bogart and William Holden? It's fantastic. Bogart, playing against type as the shrewd businessman Linus, is surprisingly charming and vulnerable. You can see the slow burn as he starts to fall for Sabrina, even as he tries to deny it. Holden, as the playboy David, is perfectly cast as the charming but ultimately shallow brother.The story itself is a classic Cinderella tale with a twist. It's about love, class, and finding your place in the world. But it's also about the unexpected turns life can take, and the way love can blossom in the most unlikely of places."Sabrina" is a timeless romantic comedy that's perfect for a cozy night in. It's got everything you could want in a classic film: charm, wit, romance, and a touch of magic. It's a 5-star gem that I can't recommend highly enough. You'll leave with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

When William Holden takes his first good look at Audrey Hepburn, he screeches his convertible to a stop and backs up to gaze at the elegant woman. Two years of life in Paris has transformed the chauffeur’s daughter into a knockout. She stands in front of the train station in a black Givenchy suit, like a model on Vogue’s cover.But Sabrina is on the verge of getting an education about high society, and about romance and love and the difference between the two.Director Billy Wilder combines sardonic humor, pratfalls, and social criticism to create a delightful and witty movie . Even the music underscores that message. “Isn’t it romantic? Merely to be young on such a night as this?”Back story: Hepburn has lived all her life on the grounds of a magnificent estate owned by a wealthy family, whom her dad works for. Two sons live there, the stiff and staid businessman Humphrey Bogart and the younger irresponsible son William Holden. Hepburn has a crush on the latter. With his blond hair, handsome face, and flirtatious come-ons, he is the seductive playboy. But he doesn’t even know she exists……………until she returns from Paris.Then the charm oozes out. “Sabrina, where have you been all my life?”asks Holden. “Right over the garage!” coos Hepburn. Things heat up quickly. Both men are drawn to her. Not only is she beautiful, she’s sweet, honest, and irresistible.When Holden announces he’s in love, the stodgy parents go ape. “The old man is frothing at the mouth, “ warns Bogart. “About… animal, vegetable, or mineral?” asks Holden. “Definitely animal” is the reply. Hepburn learns a lot about the stuffy culture of Glen Cove. “No gentleman makes love to a servant in his mother’s house,” rants the apoplectic father, a terrific Walter Hampden. Will the two lovers overcome these imposing social barriers?One thing unsettles me. Bogart , at age 55, with his tired wrinkled face, is way too old as suitor for the 25-year-old girl And would she really fit into his Dow-Jones lifestyle? Suffice to say, the love triangle eventually turns heart-shaped. The ending works because of everyone’s excellent acting.A tantalizing side note: During this shoot Hepburn and Holden fell passionately in love and talked marriage. However, when he told her he could not have children, she dropped him. Later, Holden would say she was the love of his life. So take notice of the two as they dance at the ball. Those sparks between them are genuine.Another side note: Glen Cove has lost some luster since the fifties, but it still holds some of New York’s most glamorous families.This Blu Ray DVD include special features on: Hepburn’s fashions; the making of the film; Upper-class Long Island society; “character” actors in the film; the high-tech cameras invented for this shoot; and my favorite, an-in-depth retrospect of William Holden’s movie career at Paramount.I think you'll agree. This is a good stiff drink of scintillating comedy.

An Audrey Hepburn movie! That is really all that need be said to recommend this film.Audrey Hepburn is one of, if not the most, beloved actresses of all time. She died twenty-four years ago and has not appeared in film since 1989. Yet, the world is still fascinated with this woman. It is easy to see why. She has a timeless charisma that appeals to people of all ages. One cannot help but fall in love with this lady after watching her films."Sabrina" is Hepburn's second major Hollywood film. Coming off of her Academy Award winning performance in "Roman Holiday", Ms. Hepburn once again turns in another great performance in this film. She was actually nominated for her second Oscar as a result. Sabrina is a comedy-romance type of movie. Perhaps this is Audrey Hepburn's best film genre, although her fine performance in the suspense "Wait Until Dark" is anything but romantic nor comedic. She can play any genre but her natural charms fit romance best and especially if the setting is glamorous.Humphrey Bogart may not have been the most ideal choice to play Linus Larrabee in this film. The thirty-year difference between he and Audrey stretches the imagination a little bit. The chemistry could have been better. However, that in no way diminishes the terrific acting in this film. Audrey clearly deserved her nomination for another fine work.Audrey plays Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of an English driver who works for a very wealthy American family. She falls in love with the younger son, David. David falls in love in return. The older son, Linus, wants to prevent their mutual attraction from developing into anything serious, as that would threaten a potentially lucrative business alliance that hinges on marriage. The story unfolds from there as feelings develop between the two and they unintentionally fall in love. Hepburn is convincing but Bogart is less so. Perhaps it is the age difference but I believe the leading man in a romance-comedy is not the best type of role for Mr. Bogart. He is an excellent actor and one of my favorites but the role did not suit him.This is a funny, witty, and charming movie. Hepburn and William Holden work well together. I suspect Hepburn could have worked well with anyone. She was that good. John Williams (Thomas Fairchild) was clearly never on the unemployment line in the 1950s, having worked with Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Humphrey Bogart, and Cary Grant. He turned in a commendable performance as Sabrina's worried father.The famed fashion designer, Hubert Givenchy, dressed Audrey Hepburn for this role. This started decades of collaboration between the two. Mr. Givenchy would later dress Audrey for "Charade" and "How to Steal a Million", both excellent films in their own right.Highly recommended.

Excellent acting.Charming and beautiful lead. European trained in manners and dance. Lived through some very hard times in WW2 Holland.Bogart is Bogart.Appears to be how the world works in the upper business class of the 1950's.A better time than now, I think.

They don't make movies like they use too