Sabrina is the first movie that I ever saw William Holden in and even though he’s kind of a cad, I really liked him. Add in Audrey Hepburn, a real love story and Humphrey Bogart and it’s one of my favorites.
Synopsis
Chauffeur’s daughter, Sabrina {Hepburn}, has had a crush on one of her dad’s employer’s sons, David {Holden}, for her entire life. When she returns from culinary school, David finally notices her, but she finds herself attracted to his brother Linus {Humphrey Bogart} as well.
The Imagined Love Story
This is a fun movie to watch. Audrey Hepburn just shines. Her character shows a lot of growth. I’m not quite sold on the attraction between her and Humphrey Bogart. They are lacking in chemistry. I think this may be due to the fact that Bogart didn’t like either Audrey or Holden {and the two of them liked each other quite a bit as I go into below}.
Bogart was actually a last minute replacement for Cary Grant and wanted his wife, Lauren Bacall in the lead role instead. Despite accepting the role, Bogart thought he was miscast.
The Real [but Tragic] Love Story
Even though their characters don’t end up together, Hepburn and Holden fell in love in real life while filming this movie. Both were married at the time, but it seems like they couldn’t resist.
Unfortunately, their love was not meant to last. Holden already had three kids and had already had a vasectomy by the time he fell in love with Hepburn. She wanted to be a mom, so she decided to end things.
The rest of Holden’s life was not a happy one. He had many affairs after her and tried to win her back, but she was not impressed. Holden turned to booze and this addiction ultimately led to his death. The two did another movie together in 1961 – Paris when it Sizzles, but she had moved on. 20 years later, a drunk and lonely Holden hit his head on a table, bled to death and was not found for 4 days.
Sabrina is a fun movie. Despite the issues with the cast, it is enjoyable to watch and one of my favorites of both Hepburn and Holden. I think Bogart’s unhappiness comes through and I prefer him in roles with Bacall.
This article was written specifically for Pure Entertainment Preservation Society’s Sunset Boulevard Blogathon! Check out the other entries!
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Dear Kristen,
This is a great article! You keep it short and simple, yet you told me everything I needed to know regarding the film and your thoughts on it. I also learned something new, in terms of the original Cary Grant casting and Humphrey Bogart’s feelings about the film. I also think your inclusion of William Holden’s sad life and tragic death was very appropriate for this blogathon!
Thank you for participating. Happy New Year!
Yours Hopefully,
Tiffany Brannan