Editing Gregory Peck (section)

===1950–1953: Worldwide recognition===
Peck began the 1950s with two Westerns, the first being ''[[The Gunfighter]]'' (1950), directed by [[Henry King (director)|Henry King]], who had worked with him previously on ''Twelve O'Clock High''. Peck plays an aging "Top Gun of the West" who is now weary of killing and wishes to retire with his alluring but pragmatic wife and his seven-year-old son, both of whom he has not seen for many years.<ref>Tookey, Christopher (London, 1994), "The Film Critics' Film Guide", Boxtree Limited. pg. 337.</ref><ref name="ReferenceM">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-gunfighter-v21150|title=The Gunfighter (1950) - Henry King &#124; Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related|website=AllMovie}}</ref> Peck and King did much photographic research about the Wild West Era, discovering that most cowboys had facial hair, "bowl" haircuts and wore beat-up clothing; Peck subsequently wore a mustache while filming.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/articles/oral-history-gregory-peck-and-million-dollar-mustache|title=Oral History: Gregory Peck and the Million Dollar Mustache|website=goldenglobes.com|date=February 20, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="auto17">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/77118/the-gunfighter#articles-reviews|title=The Gunfighter (1950) – Articles – TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref> The studio's president called for re-shoots upon seeing the initial footage with the mustache, but backed out due to costs that were inflated by the production manager at King and Peck's persuasion.<ref name="auto17"/><ref name="ew.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1998/03/20/gregory-peck-revisits-his-career-peaks/|title=Gregory Peck revisits his career peaks|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> ''The Gunfighter'' had disappointing sales at the box office,<ref name="britannica.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-King-American-director|title=Henry King &#124; American director|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|date=January 20, 2024 }}</ref> with $5.6{{nbsp}}million in receipts, 47th place for earnings in 1951.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimatemovierankings.com/1950-top-box-office-movies/|title=1950 Top Box Office Movies &#124; Ultimate Movie Rankings|first=B. O. B.|last=says|date=September 10, 2017}}</ref> [[20th Century Fox]]'s studio chief [[Darryl Zanuck]] blamed Peck's mustache for the lukewarm reaction from Peck's typical fans, stating that they wanted to see the usual handsome, clean-shaven Peck, not the authentic-cowboy Peck.<ref name="auto17"/> ''The Gunfighter'' received "solid reviews" upon release, with particular enthusiasm from some critics,<ref name="ReferenceN">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/77118/the-gunfighter#articles-reviews|title=The Gunfighter (1950) - Articles - TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref>{{efn|name=GunfighterEarlyReviews|''Variety's'' website review says "Gregory Peck perfectly portrays the title role, a man doomed to live out his span killing to keep from being killed. He gives it great sympathy and a type of rugged individualism that makes it real"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1949/film/reviews/the-gunfighter-1200416553/|title=The Gunfighter|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1950}}</ref> and TCM's Jeremy Arnold says ''Variety's'' original review also called it "dynamic potent drama{{nbsp}}... Packs a terrific dramatic wallop that has seldom been equaled in any type of picture."<ref name="ReferenceN"/> TCM also says another ''The New York Times'' reviewer wrote, it has "rare suspense and a tingling accumulation of good, pungent western atmosphere".<ref name="ReferenceN"/>}} with Peck's performance "bringing him some of his best notices".<ref name="Monush, Barry"/> ''The New York Times'' wrote, "through Mr. Peck's fine performance, a fair comprehension is conveyed of the loneliness and the isolation of a man with a lurid name{{nbsp}}... an arresting and quite exciting film."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/06/24/archives/the-screen-three-features-have-premieres-the-ganfighter-with.html|title=The Screen: Three Features Have Premieres; 'The Gunfighter,' With Gregory Peck in Leading Role, New Bill at the Roxy Theatre Lex Barker Plays Tarzan at the Criterion--Swedish Import Presented at Squire At the Criterion|first=Bosley|last=Crowther|date=June 24, 1950|work=The New York Times}}</ref> The movie has grown in critical appreciation over the years and "is now considered one of the all-time classic Westerns"{{efn|name=GunfighterGainedAppreciation|Christopher Tookey says "It's gained in critical respectability over the years."<ref name="Tookey, Christopher 1994"/> Brian Whitener of ''AllMovie'' says, "often imitated by other Westerns, its morally difficult, and compelling tale make it one of the most important films produced in the 1950s."<ref name="ReferenceM"/>}} Critics of recent decades uniformly praise Peck's performance,{{efn|name=TheGunfighterPeck|''TV Guide'' says "Peck is dazzling."<ref name="auto51"/> Leonard Malton says "Peck is most effective."<ref name="Maltin, Leonard 2005"/> Christopher Tookey says "Peck underacts effectively".<ref name="Tookey, Christopher 1994"/> Ronald Bergen says "Peck brings gravitas to the role of a man who cannot escape his past."<ref name="auto20"/> Luccia Bozzola of ''AllMovie'' says, Peck's performance is "laconic yet deeply felt".<ref name="auto68">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-gunfighter-v21150/review|title=The Gunfighter (1950) - Henry King &#124; Review|website=AllMovie}}</ref> ''Time Out''says his role was "flawlessly acted by Peck".<ref name="auto53">{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-gunfighter|title=The Gunfighter|website=Time Out London|date=May 3, 2011 }}</ref>}} with David Parkinson of ''Radio Times'' saying "Peck gives a performance of characteristic dignity and grit."<ref name="auto46">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/film/fkhr65/the-gunfighter/|title=The Gunfighter – review &#124; cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online|website=Radio Times}}</ref><ref name="auto51">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-gunfighter/125297|title=The Gunfighter &#124; TV Guide|website=TV Guide}}</ref>{{efn|name=TheGunfighterSeminal|Lucia Bozzola of ''AllMovie'' says, it is "a notable predecessor to the revisionist emphasis on the end of the Westerner (and the West) in the 1960s and 1970s{{nbsp}}... [it is] lauded for{{nbsp}}... its adept psychological examination of the unwanted results of myth-making violence."<ref name="ReferenceM"/> Leonard Malton says "classic psychological Western. Catch this one!"<ref name="Maltin, Leonard 2005"/> Jeremy Arnold of TCM says it is "seen as a key forerunner to the dark psychological westerns of the later 1950s".<ref name="ReferenceN"/>}}

[[File:Only the Valiant (1951) 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Peck and [[Barbara Payton]] in ''[[Only the Valiant]]'' (1951)]]
Peck's next Western was ''[[Only the Valiant]]'' (1951), a low-budget movie; Peck disliked the script and would later label the film as the low point of his career.<ref name="auto22">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/only-the-valiant/108318|title=Only The Valiant |website=TV Guide}}</ref> Peck's non-exclusive contract with David O. Selznick permitted Selznick to sell Peck's services to Warner Bros for this movie after running into financial difficulties.<ref name="auto22"/> The plot of the film is listed as "an unpopular, strict leader gathers together a rag-tag group of men and leads them on an extremely dangerous mission, turning them into a well-oiled fighting machine by the end and earning respect along the way."<ref name="auto18">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/only-the-valiant-v36497/review|title=Only the Valiant (1951) – Gordon Douglas &#124; Review|website=AllMovie}}</ref> Peck portrays a U.S. army captain and the mission is to protect an undermanned army fort against the attacking Apaches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/85792/only-the-valiant|title=Only the Valiant (1951) – Overview – TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref> Peck's romantic interest was played by [[Barbara Payton]].{{sfn|Haney|2005|p=23}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/only-the-valiant-v36497|title=Only the Valiant (1951) – Gordon Douglas &#124; Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related|website=AllMovie}}</ref> ''Variety's'' review said "In this cavalry yarn{{nbsp}}... great pains have been exerted to provide interesting characters. Peck makes the most of a colorful role."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1950/film/reviews/only-the-valiant-1200416921/|title=Only the Valiant|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1951}}</ref> It earned a moderate $5.7{{nbsp}}million, ranking 35th in sales for the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimatemovierankings.com/1951-top-box-office-movies/|title=1951 Top Box Office Movies &#124; Ultimate Movie Rankings|date=September 20, 2017}}</ref> This little-remembered picture receives mixed reviews today, although Peck's acting is praised.{{efn|name=OnlytheValiantReviews|''Time Out'' says "a sinewy, unsympathetic Peck impresses".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/only-the-valiant-1951|title=Only the Valiant|website=Time Out London|date=September 10, 2012 }}</ref> ''TV Guide'' writes "Though a disappointing Western with a routine plot, it is somewhat redeemed by its star and a solid supporting cast. The script never rises about the intelligence of a B western and the production design is obviously artificial, but the cast makes all the difference{{nbsp}}... Peck turned in a decent performance and pulled the film out of the doldrums."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/only-the-valiant/review/108318|title=Only The Valiant &#124; TV Guide|website=TV Guide}}</ref> Craig Butler of ''AllMovie'' asserts, it "is a fairly routine Western, but it does boast a fine cast that makes it quite watchable{{nbsp}}... [the] script is much too familiar and written with far too little imagination{{nbsp}}... [it has] a by-the-numbers plot. Gordon M. Douglas' direction doesn't overcome the deficiencies in the screenplay; his work is efficient and competent, but rather more is needed here{{nbsp}}.... Peck is in great 'cards to the vest' form here, and he holds the film together with his sheer star power."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/only-the-valiant-v36497/review|title=Only the Valiant (1951) - Gordon Douglas &#124; Review|website=AllMovie}}</ref>}}

Peck's second 1951 release was the book-to-film adaptation ''[[Captain Horatio Hornblower]]'', featuring Peck as the commander of a warship in the British fleet during the [[Napoleonic Wars]] who finds romance with [[Virginia Mayo]]'s character. Peck was attracted to the character, saying, "I thought Hornblower was an interesting character. I never believe in heroes who are unmitigated and unadulterated heroes, who never know the meaning of fear."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/16657/captain-horatio-hornblower#articles-reviews|title=Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951) - Articles - TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref> The role had been originally intended for [[Errol Flynn]], but he was felt to be too old by the time the project came to fruition.<ref name="ReferenceO">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/captain-horatio-hornblower-v8093|title=Captain Horatio Hornblower (1950) - Raoul Walsh &#124; Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related|website=AllMovie}}</ref> ''Captain Horatio Hornblower'' was a box office success, finishing ninth for the year in the UK<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63397098|title=Vivien Leigh Actress Of The Year.|newspaper=Townsville Daily Bulletin |date=December 29, 1951|page=1|via=Trove}}</ref> and seventh in the North America.<ref name="the-numbers.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/market/1951/top-grossing-movies|title=The Numbers - Top-Grossing Movies of 1951|website=the-numbers.com}}</ref> Peck's role in the film was largely praised by reviewers. The ''Associated Press'' stated that Peck provided "the proper dash and authenticity as the remarkable nineteenth-century skipper"<ref name="cdnc.ucr.edu">{{cite news |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SBS19510715.1.4&srpos=7&e=------195-en--20-SBS-1--txt-txIN-%22capsule+review%22----1951---1 |title=Capsule Review |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=San Bernardino Sun |volume=5 |number=14 |date=July 15, 1951 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |via=California Digital Newspaper Collection}}</ref> and ''Variety'' later wrote "Peck stands out as a skilled artist, capturing the spirit of the character and atmosphere of the period."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1950/film/reviews/captain-horatio-hornblower-r-n-1200416996/|title=Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1951}}</ref> Modern reviews have given mixed reactions of Peck's performance.{{efn|name=CaptainHoratioPeckModern|Mark Bourne of the DVD Journal asserts "Gregory Peck would be nobody's first choice for the role{{nbsp}}... but he looks so comfortable barking orders{{nbsp}}... providing leadership{{nbsp}}... or lovingly ministering Virginia Mayo back to health{{nbsp}}... that we ease into the characterization with him."<ref name="dvdjournal.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdjournal.com/quickreviews/c/captainhoratiohornblow.q.shtml|title=The DVD Journal &#124; Quick Reviews: Captain Horatio Hornblower|website=dvdjournal.com}}</ref> ''TV Guide'' says "Peck's a touch sober for a credible swashbuckler{{nbsp}}... [but is] full of valiant guff" in the role.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/captain-horatio-hornblower/review/123355|title=Captain Horatio Hornblower &#124; TV Guide|website=TV Guide}}</ref>}} [[Richard Gilliam]] of ''AllMovie'' argues that it is "an excellent performance from Gregory Peck" stating that "Peck brings his customary aura of intelligence and moral authority to the role,"<ref name="auto10">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/captain-horatio-hornblower-v8093/review|title=Captain Horatio Hornblower (1950) - Raoul Walsh &#124; Review|website=AllMovie}}</ref> while the ''Radio Times'' asserts "Gregory Peck plays Hornblower as a high-principle stuff shirt and thus confounds director Raoul Walsh's efforts to inject some pace."<ref name="auto64">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/film/cnk7c/captain-horatio-hornblower-rn/|title=Captain Horatio Hornblower RN – review &#124; cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online|website=Radio Times|access-date=November 14, 2019|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801074341/https://www.radiotimes.com/film/cnk7c/captain-horatio-hornblower-rn/|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|name=CaptainHoratioModernModernReviews|Mark Bourne of DVD Journal says the film has "excellent cinematography and ship-battles effects{{nbsp}}... The film looks terrific and moves with strong winds in the sails. Peck gets the necessary support from a fine ensemble crew of character actors{{nbsp}}... that the script kindly remembers to need entertaining things to do and say. The often lush cinematography..includes striking work [that] captures Peck and Mayo in golden-toned shots that are warm and romantic without being 'romancy' or trite."<ref name="dvdjournal.com"/> Leonard Maltin assesses it as an "Exciting, well-produced sea epic."<ref name="Maltin, Leonard 2005"/> Richard Gilliam of ''AllMovie'' argues it "features several nicely staged battle sequences{{nbsp}}... If the film has a flaw. it's that it spends too much time on Hornblower's uninteresting relationship with Barbara Wellesley (Virginia Mayo); the scenes seem tacked-on, detracting from the naval drama."<ref name="auto10"/> ''Time Out'' says it "is as much a study of the heroic spirit as an action romp. Director Raoul Walsh seems more interested in their inner life and emotional vulnerability, which makes for an oddly limpid (but often quite beautiful) and non-dynamic work."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/captain-horatio-hornblower-r-n|title=Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.|website=Time Out London|access-date=November 14, 2019|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801065203/https://www.timeout.com/london/film/captain-horatio-hornblower-r-n|url-status=dead}}</ref> David Parkinson of the ''Radio Times'' observes "this sprawling, handsome but flat feature suffers from too many shifts in emphasis between action-adventure and psychological study. What should have been stirring spends too much time becalmed."<ref name="auto64"/>}}

[[File:Peck Haywyard David and Bathsheba.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Peck alongside co-star [[Susan Hayward]] in ''[[David and Bathsheba (film)|David and Bathsheba]]'']]
His third film under [[Henry King (director)|Henry King]]'s direction, ''[[David and Bathsheba (film)|David and Bathsheba]]'', a Biblical epic, was the [[1951 in film|top-grossing movie of 1951]].<ref name="Kay, Eddie Dorman 1990."/> The two-hit-movie punch of ''Horatio'' and ''David'' elevated Peck to the status of Hollywood mega-star.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/72381/david-and-bathsheba#articles-reviews|title=David and Bathsheba (1951) - Articles - TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref> ''David and Bathsheba'' tells the story of [[David]] (Peck), who slew [[Goliath]] as a teenager, and later as the beloved King, becomes infatuated with the married [[Bathsheba]], played by [[Susan Hayward]].<ref name="ReferenceP">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/david-and-bathsheba-v12519|title=David and Bathsheba (1951) - Henry King &#124; Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related|website=AllMovie}}</ref> Peck's performance in ''David and Bathsheba'' was evaluated upon release by ''The New York Times'' as "an authoritative performance,"<ref name="ReferenceR">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/08/15/archives/the-screen-a-biblical-tale-is-unfolded-david-and-bathsheba-starring.html|title=The Screen: A Biblical Tale Is Unfolded; 'David and Bathsheba,' Starring Gregory Peck and Susan Haymard, at the Rivoli Raymond Massey and Kieron Moore in Secondary Roles in Zanuck Production|date=August 15, 1951|work=The New York Times}}</ref> and ''Variety'' stated "Peck is a commanding personality{{nbsp}}... he shades his character expertly",<ref name="ReferenceQ">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1950/film/reviews/david-and-bathsheba-1200416988/|title=David and Bathsheba|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1951}}</ref> In recent years, critics have argued that his "stiff" performance is made up for in charisma, but overall, they praised his strength in the role;<ref name="ReferenceS">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/david-and-bathsheba-v12519/review |title=David and Bathsheba (1951) |website=Allmovie.com |access-date=July 28, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/film/j89gr/david-and-bathsheba-1951/while/|title=David and Bathsheba – review &#124; cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online|website=Radio Times|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=December 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229234608/https://www.radiotimes.com/film/j89gr/david-and-bathsheba-1951/while/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceT">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/david-and-bathsheba/112258|title=David And Bathsheba &#124; TV Guide|website=TV Guide}}</ref> Leonard Maltin says the movie has "only fair performances".<ref name="Maltin, Leonard 2005"/> ''David and Bathsheba'' opened with positive reviews, including praise for avoiding excessive spectacle{{efn|name=DavidandBaathsheba|Bosley Crowther asserted the film "avoids pageantry and overwhelming concocted spectacle{{nbsp}}... the rest of the cast is entirely overshadowed by (Peck's) role{{nbsp}}... Having been mounted artistically, an age-old tale now takes on colorful dimensions{{nbsp}}... for all its verbosity and occasional slickness and sensuality (it) makes its points with feeling and respect."<ref name="ReferenceR"/> ''Variety'' said "This is a big picture in every respect{{nbsp}}... Expert casting throughout focuses on each characterization" with each performer doing strong work except for Hayward.<ref name="ReferenceQ"/>}} while remaining an epic with "dignified restraint".<ref name=19Aug>{{Cite news|url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SBS19510819.1.4&srpos=11&e=------195-en--20-SBS-1--txt-txIN-%22capsule+review%22----1951---1|newspaper=San Bernardino Sun|date=August 19, 1951|title=Capsule Review|via=California Digital Newspaper Collection|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref>

Peck returned to [[swashbuckler]]s in ''[[The World in His Arms]]'' (1952), directed by [[Raoul Walsh]], who had also directed ''[[Captain Horatio Hornblower]]''. Peck portrays a seal-hunting ship captain in 1850 San Francisco who romances a Russian countess played by [[Ann Blyth]] and ends up engaging a rival sealer played by [[Anthony Quinn]] in a sailing race to Alaska.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-world-in-his-arms-v117721|title=The World in His Arms (1952) - Raoul Walsh &#124; Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related|website=AllMovie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1951/film/reviews/the-world-in-his-arms-1200417109/|title=The World in His Arms|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1952}}</ref> The film was given positive reviews by both contemporary and modern critics.{{efn|name=WorldinHisArms|Bosley Crowther wrote, "A couple of handsome down-east schooners, racing furiously through a wind-swept sea{{nbsp}}... pretty much steal a robust show from Gregory Peck, Ann Blyth and other mortals. And this is no whit of discredit to the mere actors in this lively film; they are faced with uneven competition in this drama{{nbsp}}... (it's loaded) with muscular and romantic action of the juiciest and easily playable sort{{nbsp}}... the action spills forth without clear reason{{nbsp}}... the characters presented make more motion and color than they make sense. Gregory Peck as the venturesome hero is only a shade more restrained than Anthony Quinn who plays a Portuguese captain as though he were animated by hot feet and rum."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/10/10/archives/the-screen-in-review-world-in-his-arms-saga-of-men-and-the-sea.html|title=The Screen In Review; ' World in His Arms,' Saga of Men and the Sea, Arrives at the Mayfair Theatre|first=Bosley|last=Crowther|date=October 10, 1952|work=The New York Times}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite web |first=Bob |last=Thomas |agency=Associated Press |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SCS19520811.1.9&srpos=9&e=------195-en--20--1--txt-txIN-%22capsule+review%22----1952---1 |title=Hollywood |newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel |date=August 11, 1952 |volume=97 |number=191 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |via=California Digital Newspaper Collection}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-world-in-his-arms/review/123161|title=The World In His Arms &#124; TV Guide|website=TV Guide}}</ref> ''All Movie'' commented that Peck is "a superb actor, who brings enormous skill to the part, but who simply lacks the overt derring-do and danger that is part of the role."<ref name="ReferenceU">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-world-in-his-arms-v117721/reviewy |first=Craig |last=Butler |title=The World in His Arms (1952) |work=Allmovie.com |access-date=July 29, 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The film was moderately successful, more so in the UK than in North America.<ref>"Comedian Tops Film Poll". The Sunday Herald. Sydney. December 28, 1952. – 8th most popular in UK for year.</ref><ref>'Top Box-Office Hits of 1952', Variety, January 7, 1953. – grossed $3 million</ref>

[[File:Gregory Peck in Finland 1953 (6408E; JOKAHBL3D D02-5).tif|thumb|Peck greets his admirers at the [[Helsinki Airport]] in January 1953]]
He reunited with previous collaborators King, Hayward, and Gardner in ''[[The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952 film)|The Snows of Kilimanjaro]]'' (1952), an adaptation of a short story by [[Ernest Hemingway]].<ref name="auto57">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-snows-of-kilimanjaro-v45397/review|title=The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952) - Henry King &#124; Review|website=AllMovie}}</ref> The film stars Peck as a self-concerned writer looking back on his life, particularly his romance with his first wife (Gardner), while he slowly dies from an accidental wound while on an African hunting expedition with his current wife (Hayward) nursing him.<ref name="ReferenceV">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1951/film/reviews/the-snows-of-kilimanjaro-2-1200417125/|title=The Snows of Kilimanjaro|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1952}}</ref> The film was praised for its cinematography and direction.{{efn|name=SnowsofKilimanjaroReviews|Bosley Crowther wrote, "Thanks to a skillful combination of some sensational African hunting scenes, a musical score of rich suggestion and a vivid performance by Gregory Peck (it is) a handsome and generally absorbing film (and) a taut, eye-filling film. The flow of romances{{nbsp}}... is exquisitely colorful, alluring and loaded with heavy sentiment. But a stubbornly analytic viewer will still be moved to inquire what all this chasing about with women demonstrates or proves?{{nbsp}}... (the filmmakers) have not made a clearly convincing film. However, they have made a picture that constantly fascinates the eyes and stimulates the emotions{{nbsp}}... the overall production in wonderful color is full of brilliant detail and surprise and the mood of nostalgia and wistful sadness that is built up in the story has its spell{{nbsp}}... Peck, by the force and vigor of his physical attitudes, suggests a man of burning temper and melancholy moods."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/09/19/archives/the-screen-in-review-snow-of-kiliminjaro-based-on-hemingways-story.html|title=The Screen In Review; 'Snow of Kiliminjaro,' Based on Hemingway's Story, Is New Feature at Rivoli|first=Bosley|last=Crowther|date=September 19, 1952|work=The New York Times}}</ref> ''Variety'' commented "Ava Gardner makes the part of Cynthia a warm, appealing, alluring standout. Peck delivers with gusto the character of the writer{{nbsp}}... Susan Hayward is splendid. The location-lensed footage{{nbsp}}...add (s) an important dress to the varied sequences. The African lensed backgrounds are brilliant, as are those on the Riviera and in Spain."<ref name="ReferenceV"/>}}{{efn|name=SnowsofKilimanjaroReviewsModern|Craig Butler of ''AllMovie'' opines, "Gardner and Peck create the appropriate romantic chemistry{{nbsp}}... the direction is uneven{{nbsp}}... there's still enough here to engage most fans of romance movies."<ref name="auto57"/> ''TV Guide'' wrote, "this story works splendidly under King's sure directorial hand and is enacted with power and conviction by Peck{{nbsp}}... This beautifully photographed film{{nbsp}}... features a magnificent score by Herman that captures all the exotic locales profiled. Gardner is excellent{{nbsp}}... the script is a seamless blend of the screenwriter's and Hemingway's styles."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-snows-of-kilimanjaro/118177|title=The Snows Of Kilimanjaro &#124; TV Guide|website=TV Guide}}</ref> ''Time Out'' says "the film tends to ramble and seems particularly uneven in its mixture of back-project wildlife footage, studio and location work."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-snows-of-kilimanjaro|title=The Snows of Kilimanjaro|website=Time Out London|date=September 10, 2012 }}</ref> Leonard Maltin says "Peck finds his forte."<ref name="Maltin, Leonard 2005"/> Dave Kehr of the ''Chicago Reader'' says "overstuffed. There is some exquisite Technicolor photography, but director Henry King never moves the action beyond respectful superficiality."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-snows-of-kilimanjaro/Film?oid=1062228|title=The Snows of Kilimanjaro|first=Dave|last=Kehr|website=Chicago Reader|date=October 26, 1985}}</ref>}} Most reviews praise Peck's performance, with ''TV Guide'' saying the story is "enacted with power and conviction by Peck," although some criticized his "bland" expressions.<ref name="Shipman, David 1984 pg. 757">Shipman, David (London, 1984) "The Story of Cinema: Volume Two – From Citizen Kane to the Present Day," Thedford Press Limited. pg. 757.</ref> Peck, who at that time was married to [[Finnish Americans|Finnish American-born]] Greta Kukkonen, even made a two-day visit to [[Helsinki]] in January 1953, participating in an invited guest premiere of ''The Snows of Kilimanjaro'' that premiered in Finland.<ref>Kovanen, Vesa: ''"Eikö hän ole ihana!"'', p. 30. ''[[Ilta-Sanomat]]'', 13 January 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2024. (in Finnish)</ref> ''The Snows of Kilimanjaro'' was a box office hit and ranked as the [[1952 in film|fourth-highest-grossing movie of 1952]].<ref name="auto19"/>
 
[[File:Hepburn Peck Promo.jpg|upright|thumb|Peck and [[Audrey Hepburn]] in a promotional still for ''[[Roman Holiday]]'' (1953)]]
Peck's "first real foray into comedy" was ''[[Roman Holiday]]'' (1953), directed by [[William Wyler]].<ref name="Monush, Barry"/> He portrayed American journalist Joe Bradley opposite [[Audrey Hepburn]] in her first significant film role, playing a European princess.<ref name="ReferenceW">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/4096/roman-holiday#articles-reviews|title=Roman Holiday (1953) - Articles - TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref><ref name="Monush, Barry"/><ref name="auto36">{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/roman-holiday|title=Roman Holiday|website=Time Out London|date=July 16, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Maitland McDonaugh 1998">Andrew Joseph and Maitland McDonaugh, Eds. (New York, 1998) "The Movie Guide", Berkley Publishing Group.</ref><ref name="ReferenceX">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/28/archives/roman-holiday-at-music-hall-is-modern-fairy-tale-starring-peck-and.html|title=' Roman Holiday' at Music Hall Is Modern Fairy Tale Starring Peck and Audrey Hepburn|first=A.|last=W|date=August 28, 1953|work=The New York Times}}</ref> Peck's role in ''Roman Holiday'' had originally been offered to [[Cary Grant]], who turned it down because the part appeared to be more of a supporting role to the princess.<ref name="ReferenceW"/> Peck had the same concern, but he was persuaded by Wyler that the on-site filming in Rome would be an exceptional experience and Peck accepted the part, eventually insisting that Hepburn's name be above the title of the film (just beneath his) in the opening credits.<ref name="ReferenceW"/> Peck later stated that he'd told his agent, "I'm smart enough to know this girl's going to win the Oscar in her first picture, and I'm going to look like a damned fool if her name is not up there on top with mine."<ref name="ew.com"/>

''Roman Holiday'' was a commercial success, finishing 22nd in the box office in 1953.<ref name="Kay, Eddie Dorman 1990."/> The film continued to garner money after its release, with "modern sources noting it earned $10 million total at the box office".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/4096/roman-holiday#notes|title=Roman Holiday (1953) - Notes - TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies}}</ref> Critics praised Peck's performance; [[Bosley Crowther]] stated that "Peck makes a stalwart and manly escort{{nbsp}}... whose eyes belie his restrained exterior,"<ref name="ReferenceX"/> while the ''Hollywood Reporter'' commented that "Peck turns in another of his outstanding performances playing the love-smitten reporter with intelligence and good-humored conviction;"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/roman-holiday-review-movie-1953-1234508 |first=Milton |last=Luban |work=The Hollywood Reporter |title='Roman Holiday': THR's 1953 Review |date=June 30, 1953 |access-date=July 29, 2021 }}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1952/film/reviews/roman-holiday-2-1200417429/|title=Film Review: 'Roman Holiday' (1953)|work=Variety|date=January 1, 1953}}</ref> The film was met with critical acclaim.{{efn|name=RomanHolidayReviews|Milton Luban of the ''Hollywood Reporter'' said, "With Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn turning in superb performances, ''Roman Holiday'' is 118 minutes of sheer entertainment" elaborating that it has a "delightful screenplay that sparkles with wit and outrageous humor that at times comes close to slapstick" and that the "cinematographers do a fine job of incorporating Roman landmarks into the storyline."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/roman-holiday-review-movie-1953-1234508|title='Roman Holiday': THR's 1953 Review|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 27, 2019}}</ref>}}<ref name="auto4"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/roman-holiday/Film?oid=2040003|title=Roman Holiday|first=Dave|last=Kehr|website=Chicago Reader|date=January 17, 1986}}</ref><ref name="Tookey, Christopher 1994"/>{{efn|name=RomanHolidayPositive|Leonard Maltin labels it "Utterly charming".<ref name="Maltin, Leonard 2005"/> ''TV Guide'' praises it as "Charming, wistful and frothy" and says it "has enough adventure and excitement to satisfy, and the faintly bittersweet note of the ending is made deliciously palatable by its artistic rightness."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/roman-holiday/review/116250|title=Roman Holiday &#124; TV Guide|website=TV Guide}}</ref> Joshua Klein says "Peck and Hepburn are excellent{{nbsp}}... Rome's landmarks help enhance the already magical story. Just as essential is the enjoyable script."<ref>Klein, Joshua in "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die" (London: 2003), Schneider, Steven Jay, ed. Quintessence Editions Limited.</ref> ''Time Out'' succinctly states "near-perfect rom-com."<ref name="auto36"/>}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/film/zwtx/roman-holiday-(1953/|title=Roman Holiday – review &#124; cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online|website=Radio Times|access-date=December 29, 2019|archive-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025051732/https://www.radiotimes.com/film/zwtx/roman-holiday-(1953/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/roman-holiday-v41976/ |title=Roman Holiday (1953) |website=Allmovie.com |access-date=July 29, 2021 |quote=Rome at its most photogenic, ''Roman Holiday'' remains one of the most popular romances that has ever skipped across the screen{{nbsp}}... an enormously enjoyable romp{{nbsp}}... Director William Wyler's use of Rome is one of the best examples of how a location can become a leading character in a film. The effect of using the actual city in the film was eye-popping.}}</ref> It was nominated for multiple accolades, including 8 [[Academy Awards]], with Hepburn winning for [[Academy Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]; Peck also scored a [[BAFTA]] nomination for Foreign Actor.<ref name="auto19"/> At the 1955 [[Golden Globe]] awards, Peck and Hepburn were named the World Film Favorite Award winners for their respective genders.<ref name="auto19">Gebert, Michael (New York, 1996) "The Encyclopedia of Movie Awards", St. Martin's Press.</ref>