‘Sabrina’ (1954): Review & Thoughts

The first time I ever watched Sabrina — starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden — I had only ever seen one other Hepburn film (How to Steal a Million). I was just beginning to watch old movies, and Hepburn films were the gateway to my obsession with everything Old Hollywood. Watching Sabrina back then, I was transfixed by Hepburn’s beauty and grace, but also by the overall story and how fun the movie was.

Flash forward to now, where I’ve decided to rewatch Sabrina to see if it still stands up to the awe that I once felt for it. While my tastes in old movies have changed — I discovered the joy of 1930s comedies and especially pre-code dramas — I still have a soft spot for Hepburn movies. Plus, I now adore Humphrey Bogart, something I’m a little embarrassed to say wasn’t the case back when I first watched Sabrina.

Upon rewatching this movie, I again was struck by how fun it is. I know there are some people who think the Bogart-Hepburn pairing odd, as he was so much older than her. Unfortunately, that problem-plagued Hepburn throughout her career. Why did they always cast her opposite much older leading men?

Anyways, if you can get past that little slight, then the movie is quite enjoyable. Hepburn and Holden together are so very fun to watch. I even enjoy seeing Bogie in this rom-com, even though rumor has it he absolutely hated filming this movie. Now that I’ve rewatched this 1954 comedy, I can safely say that yes, it’s a good movie. Is it perfect? No. But it’s a fun watch — especially because you get to see three icons opposite one another, and that’s always fun. 

About Sabrina (1954)

Sabrina follows Sabrina (Hepburn), the daughter of a chauffeur, who is desperately in love with David (Holden), one of the sons in the family her father works for. David knows Sabrina exists… but doesn’t realize that she’s madly in love with him. Heartbroken over her unrequited love, Sabrina tries to kill herself at the beginning of the movie, only to be saved by David’s older brother Linus (Bogart).

Sabrina is sent off to Paris to go to cooking school — but also to become a woman. When she finally returns home years later, she’s completely different. David is immediately smitten, which causes trouble within the family, as he’s engaged to another. So, Linus steps in to keep Sabrina occupied and away from David… but what happens when Linus himself starts to fall for her?

Thoughts I Had While Watching Sabrina

While watching this romantic comedy, I had a few thoughts about the overall movie:

• It’s crazy to me that Sabrina is only the second feature film Audrey Hepburn starred in, in a leading role, after Roman Holiday. We all know how great she was in Roman Holiday. But in Sabrina, she’s still just as exciting and fun to watch. A true star, made for the screen. 
• Rumor has it that the set was not very nice, and Bogart hated everybody and was especially rude to newcomer Hepburn. Hepburn and William Holden did get along — an affair is also rumored. With this all said, it’s quite a shame this trio didn’t get along behind the scenes, as watching them on screen is so very fun.
• I have to say, I think my favorite scenes were the parts where all the workers — Sabrina’s dad, the cook, etc — all got together to talk, or to read Sabrina’s letters. These little moments were so cute! 
• Hepburn always looks like she’s in love with everybody, doesn’t she? Love her.
• Listen, I adore Bogart… and I actually really love him in this movie. While I prefer the films where he’s a little bit more tragic (my favorite is definitely In a Lonely Place), I also love when he does some lighter fare like Sabrina. And I do feel like he pulls this role off! 
• William Holden, meanwhile, is always great in everything he does — and he’s especially wonderful in all his movies from the 1950s. 
• The opening scene, where Sabrina narrates the beginning of the tale and introduces the characters, is wonderful. 

What Are Your Thoughts on Sabrina? 

Okay, now that I’ve talked about what I specifically loved about Sabrina, I want to hear from you. Did you enjoy this movie — or do you not care for it? I’d love to hear all your thoughts and opinions — hit the comments below! 

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