‘Roman Holiday’ Was No Lark

“Roman Holiday” is remembered as the lovely 1953 film that introduced a striking new star. In “Backstory,” the pilot for a new AMC cable series, we learn about darker aspects of the memorable fairy tale.

Sunday’s enlightening prototype looks at behind-the-scenes travails linked to the light, lyrical romantic comedy about a pretty princess (Audrey Hepburn, in her beguiling Hollywood debut) who falls for a commoner (Gregory Peck).

Film buffs know the Oscar-winning fable was written by blacklisted Dalton Trumbo, who hired Ian McKellen Hunter as his front for director William Wyler’s 1953 Paramount picture. The movie went on to earn Academy Awards for Hepburn as best actress, best original story and designer Edith Head.

What the average person may not know is that the timid Hepburn was initially quite insecure about her looks and acting ability.

While Hepburn eventually emerged from her shell, Peck was having marital problems at the time of the shoot. In a bid to keep his family together, the actor took his wife to Rome. Unfortunately, she was gone by the time the movie completed filming, according to this half-hour show written by Carolyn Jacobs.

Jacobs, who doubles as executive producer, interweaves snippets of older interviews with Peck and the late Hepburn as well as co-star Eddie Albert (who played the easygoing photographer for Peck’s jaded journalist). Trumbo’s son, Christopher, and Wyler’s daughter Catherine also supply observations.

* “Backstory” can be seen Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on AMC. The network has rated it TV-G (suitable for all ages). “Roman Holiday” follows at 7 p.m. and 1 a.m.