is a fascinating study of European sophistication clashing with American playboy culture, wrapped in the signature cynical-yet-tender style of director Billy Wilder .
The primary point of critique both then and now is the massive age difference between the romantic leads. Hepburn was 28 playing a teenager. Cooper was 56 and showing his age.
Wilder himself later admitted that casting Cooper may have been a mistake because of this visual gap.
Representing the very first screenwriting collaboration between Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond, this film kicked off one of the most legendary partnerships in Hollywood history. 🎭 The Premise