Billy Wilder's 1954 film "Sabrina" is one of the most treasured cinematic productions of all time — a classic that hardly needs any introduction at all.
Starring Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild, Humphrey Bogart as Linus Larrabee, and William Holden as rich playboy David Larrabee, Wilder's production surely isn't lacking in talent.
Yet, despite all my fond memories of watching the film growing up, I couldn't help but notice that it is lacking in depth.
Sabrina is the daughter of a chauffeur who has served in the Larrabee household for more than 20 years. Her infatuation with David began when he taught her how to skate backwards on roller skates, planting the then nine-year old Sabrina with a brotherly kiss.
The film opens with a grown-up Sabrina observing yet another Larrabee party from a tree, watching as David skirt-chases after his third failed marriage. Hopeless due to her unrequited love, Sabrina tries to kill herself after the party by turning on all the cars in the garage and sniffing carbon monoxide. The dim damsel is saved when Linus shows up and carries her home.
David finally notices Sabrina when she returns from Paris after two years, but the golden-era Romeo is already engaged to Elizabeth Tyson. Their marital union serves to secure a business deal between Elizabeth's wealthy family and Larrabee Industries. Linus, ever the calculating businessman, seeks to draw Sabrina away from her brother, yet falls in love with her along the way.
Had anyone but the magnetic Hepburn played Sabrina, the character would barely pass even a generous threshold for tolerability. Like a lovesick puppy, she pines after David with exaggerated gazes of admiration. Most bothersome was her suicide attempt over a man, but her attempt to "shush" the cars was just icing on the cake. Although her trip to Paris was symbolic of the lovelorn young woman finding herself and gaining some independence, she was miserable until an older, wealthy Baron took her under his wing. When she returns, she is only content when is with David and then Linus.
The eternally suave Bogart brings substance to Linus's character, almost making up for the daft Sabrina. As he draws her into a dance in the court yard and kisses her after showering the poor girl with his soulful gazes, one is reminded of why Bogart was the heartthrob of his day who managed to sweep the stunning Lauren Bacall off her feet.
The film will always remain a classic and hold a special place in my heart for nostalgia's sake. At its core, "Sabrina" is just another Cinderella story — a romance produced during the Golden Age. Take it for what it is and you'll be in for a good time.
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Annenberg Media