In the early days of cinema, romantic storylines were often simplistic and predictable, following a standard narrative arc of meet-cute, courtship, and happily-ever-after. Classic Hollywood romances, such as Casablanca (1942) and Roman Holiday (1953), epitomized this approach, featuring dashing heroes, beautiful heroines, and a focus on grand gestures and dramatic declarations of love. These films reinforced traditional notions of romance, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, loyalty, and devotion in relationships.