Billy Wilder and Humphrey Bogart, what more could a classic film lover ask for? I love this director/actor combo so much and I wish they would have made more than one collaboration, but from the sounds of the set during the filming of the 1954 film, Sabrina, the two may not have been able to handle any more of each other. Starring along with Bogart was Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden, the film centers around two brothers fighting for the affections of a woman they lived near for years, yet hardly knew existed. A romantic comedy was a fun turn for the veteran actor, Humphrey Bogart, but one audiences have been blessed with for over 60 years. Sabrina Fairchild (Audrey Hepburn) the daughter of a chauffeur lives in the servants quarters of the home of the tycoon Larrabee Brothers. Linus Larrabee (Humphrey Bogart) is the brother that is always about business; handling the day-to-day dealings of the Larrabee business ventures and estate, he has successfully convinced himself to substitute a family life with the corporate life. David Larrabee (William Holden), on the other hand, is a partying playboy more interested in women than his family's business. David is a bit of a headache for his family, having been divorced 3 times. David has never escaped the notice of Sabrina. She fell in love with David as a young girl and was tortured by his presence around the home for years. One fateful night, Sabrina couldn't bear her unrequited love for David any longer and decided to end her own life. Luckily, she was unsuccessful and was saved by Linus Larrabee before being shipped off to Paris. In Paris, Sabrina learns how to cook and bake, but she also learns sophistication and elegance. Sabrina comes back a changed woman, and David notices, beginning his quest for his latest conquest. In the meantime, David has been promised to a wealthy plastic mogul's daughter in order to secure a merger between the two enterprises. Linus begins to lure Sabrina away from his brother in order to protect his fledgling business partnership which works wonders, until he begins to fall in love with her, as well. The first thing that struck me with Sabrina, after the inimitable Humphrey Bogart, of course; who really notices any other aspect of a film first when Humphrey Bogart is in it, was the exquisite lighting. It was essential in this film to display the transformation of Audrey Hepburn's character, so the lighting needed to be top notch to reveal the differences in her character. It doesn't hurt that the film was composed of some of the best stars of the day to keep the light on. The film is also perfectly written, and no one can match the subtle interjections of humor quite like Billy Wilder. Sabrina was a joy of a film, due in no small part to the exceptional depiction of Humphrey Bogart's Linus Larrabee.Sabrina found Humphrey Bogart playing a bit against type as a lead in a romantic comedy. Perhaps unexpectedly, the role suits Bogart well, and his debonair appearance doesn't suffer despite his difference in age with Audrey Hepburn. Bogart also found himself sharing the screen in Sabrina with another man. This had to have been a blow to the veteran actor which could have been the reason he had so many issues in the set, especially with William Holden. Tumultuous set nonetheless, Bogart proved his professionalism churning out one of his best performances. He also had one of the most iconic movie entrances I have ever seen. Ascending from the shadows like a knight in shining armor to save Sabrina from her suicide attempt, Bogart took over the screen. Watching the subtlety he played his part with and the gradual way he changed his character as he began falling in love with Sabrina was beautiful art to watch unfold on screen. This realization that he wasn't all the man he thought he could be without someone by his side resulted in a wonderful "Humphrey Bogart Eyes" moment. There is a brief moment in which we see the realization come across Bogart's face that he is indeed in love with Sabrina in a way that only Humphrey Bogart could emote. I will forever be in awe of the way Bogart could convey a wealth of emotions, using only his eyes. Is it any wonder that Humphrey Bogart is widely considered the best actor to ever live?

And, speaking about actor Humphrey Bogart - Up until now - I had always thought of him as being a cut-above-the-rest. But after reading what went on behind the scenes of this picture - I've now changed my mind about him, totally.And, here's how the story goes - When Bogart found out how gutless his part as Linus Larrabee in this picture was he immediately turned into a big suck, sulking constantly and finding all sorts of ways to come into conflict with director, Billy Wilder, whom he blamed for this.From hurling racist insults at Wilder, to refusing to take his direction - The huge rift that took place between these 2 on the set lasted for the entire duration of Sabrina's production.This isn't the only reason why I gave this picture such a low rating - But it's one of the biggest reasons. And, I now think Bogart is a total ass. I can never watch another one of his pictures without being reminded of how childish he behaved here in this one. As far as I'm concerned, he doesn't deserve the admiration that so many of his fans give him.

Directed and co-written (with Samuel Taylor & Ernest Lehman) by Billy Wilder, this essential romantic comedy stars Humphrey Bogart, William Holden, and Audrey Hepburn in the title role. It's a love triangle featuring the three leads which was later remade with Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear, and Julia Ormond.This film, which won an Oscar for Edith Head's B&W Costume Design, received five other Oscar nominations including two for director Wilder (he shared the Best Screenplay honors) and Hepburn's second consecutive Best Actress nomination, following her win for Roman Holiday (1953). It was also added to the National Film Registry in 2002 and is #54 of AFI's 100 Greatest Love Stories list.The story is about two brothers, stiff "family business" man Bogart and blonde playboy Holden, who fall in love with their chauffeur's (John Williams) daughter, the beautiful Ms. Hepburn. Sabrina had been a shy, wallflower type, who worshiped the dashing playboy brother, until she goes away to school in Paris and comes back a sophisticated, lovely young woman, and chef.Holden's character, already engaged to an important potential business partner's daughter (Martha Hyer), is instantly attracted to the all new and grownup Sabrina, which jeopardizes the deal Bogart's character had been trying to do. So, Bogart romances Hepburn in hopes of attracting her away from Holden, when suddenly what was a set-up becomes real.

Sabrina (1954): Dir: Billy Wilder / Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden, John Williams, Martha Hyer: Enchanting romantic comedy about young Sabrina Fairchild, daughter of a chauffeur. She is fixated on a playboy who is the brother of a wealthy individual who is trying to seal a deal but it depends on his brother marrying the daughter of the client. Sabrina is sent to Paris where she embarks in cooking classes but upon returning she is then noticed by the playboy who never noticed her before. To avoid a major business disaster her time is occupied by the wealthy man who ends up falling for her. Beautifully written yet predictable romantic comedy is another achievement by Billy Wilder whose range spans from Double Indemnity to Sunset Boulevard. His delivery here is presented as a modern day fairy tale where one factor dreams but never realizes her awakening to the real thing in plain view. Audrey Hepburn is captivating as Sabrina who longs for love and finds it in the most unlikely place. Humphrey Bogart as the tycoon realizes his love for her is a second chance at happiness. William Holden is superb as the irresponsible brother. John Williams is endearing as Sabrina's father. Martha Hyer plays Holden's fiancée whom everyone is struggling to maintain his attention on. For romantics anticipating love in the unlikeliest places. Score: 9 / 10