Sabrina (1954)

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Perfect cast and a good story

It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

A very nice movie if you can get around the plot holes.You have to get around the idea that Sabrina falls out of love with David (who she has had a crush on for years) and into love with Linus in three days.Sabrina is flying back from France and taking Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to the Glen Cove station where she meets David by accident. But the LIRR didn't service Idlewild Airport (now JFK Airport). in 1954 (and still doesn't), You would have to take a bus or taxi (today a subway) to a LIRR station and then change. Also LIRR is a commuter rail (basically just an above ground subway), not an intercity rail line. This isn't practical for a lady with three suitcases and one dog. She would most likely take a taxi all the way home.At the end of the movie, Linus rushes to a tugboat to join Sabrina on the SS Liberte. Problems: Ticket had been changed from Linus' name to David's. Would the ship stop for a late passenger arriving by tugboat? Did Linus have his passport? He had no luggage. He would only have the little cash he was carrying. Except for Diners' Club, charge cards didn't exist.When Linus discussing plans to send Sabrina back to France he points out the Liberte dock (which would have been further north on the west site of Manhattan) from one window. Later in the final boardroom scene, you see the Staten Island Ferry (on the south tip of Manhattan) from another window. But it isn't clear if in the Larrabee building (show as located at 30 Broad St. near NY Stock Exchange) , they could see both the route of the Ferry and the dock for the Liberte , even when using different windows.Also note that in the final boardroom scene, you can see Staten Island Ferry and a large barge moving from left to right. If you watch closely, you will see that the scene is repeated several times.

And, how would I sum up 1954's Sabrina in just one word? - Well - How about the word "YUCK!" - Yeah - "YUCK!" pretty much covers it all for me.Uh.... Please, allow me to elaborate a little bit on Sabrina's yuck-factor for you here.And, it goes like this.... Single parent, Thomas Fairchild, has been a trusted, live-in chauffeur of the super-rich Larrabee family for many years now. Fairchild has a pretty, teenage daughter named Sabrina.The mega-wealthy Larrabees have 2 grown sons. David (the dashing, alcoholic, playboy) is twice Sabrina's age. Linus (the dreary, alcoholic workaholic) is 3 times her age.... At different stages in this film's story both David and Linus go lusting after Sabrina.And, when it comes to Sabrina's integrity - Does her father take a firm stand and adamantly object to the carnal pursuits of these 2 randy rich-brats?.... No. He doesn't.Being obviously more concerned about his job rather than his daughter's virginity - Fairchild tells each of the lusting Larrabee boys that if they are going to pursue Sabrina, then (get this!) kindly do it in a way so that he can turn a blind eye to it.Hello!? - If that kind of scenario isn't total "YUCK!", then I don't know what is!.... Need I say more?

it is simple. read the names of director and actors. see few scenes. and the verdict is clear. but Sabrina has the precious gift to be more than a charming story or the stage for the grace, subtle games and seductive acting of Audrey Hepburn. the spell of film is complex and almost touching. because it is a trip across the sensitivity of a period, social differences clash, flavor of modern fairy tale - but not so modern - and the air of dreams about stars, princesses, true love. it has humor and slices of lesson about life, it has a special note and the best director for a delicate subject. because the story of Cinderella is always far to be easy.Audry Hepburn is the star and this is not surprising. but her beauty and shine and fascinating manner to use each nuance of the sides of role is result of the connection with her partners. and this small detail does Sabrina almost perfect.

Sabrina Fairchild (Audrey Hepburn) is the daughter of the chauffeur working for the Larrabees. Linus Larrabee (Humphrey Bogart) is the stiff older responsible son. Sabrina is infatuated with the irresponsible thrice-divorced playboy son David Larrabee (William Holden) but he only sees a little girl. He flirts with Gretchen Van Horn and she comically tries to kill herself on the eve of going to Paris for cooking school only to be rescued by Linus. The lovesick Sabrina is befriended by Baron St. Fontanel. Linus arranges David to marry Elizabeth Tyson for business reasons. David is taken by the returning Sabrina but he doesn't recognize her at first. With his business deal in jeopardy, Linus tries to lure Sabrina away from David.The lovely Audrey Hepburn is absolutely enchanting. She makes a good romance into a great one. The movie could try a little harder to make her a tomboy in the early parts. She owns the screen from start to finish. The thirty years difference between her and Bogie is problematic but she makes it work somehow. She is simply magic.