Curapedi
I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.
haniaelrawy
Charles Boyer is really my favorite leading actor .His performance in the final scene was so touching and impressive.He tried to suppress his anger through smiling and joking but we still feel bitterness in the tone of his voice and deep grief in his eyes. Amazingly he could express his frustration without saying one word of abuse to his lover.
I think that no other star in the history of world cinema can ever have such a genuine and subtle performance. when Boyer saw the painting of Terry and realised the whole truth ,his face could reveal the deep sense of shame and regret without uttering one word. In fact Charles Boyer's ability to perform the role of a sincere and dedicated lover is captivating and insuperable.
In the remake An Affair To Remember,the effect was less intensive and Charles Boyer and Irene Dunne were really superior and more impressive and there is some differences between the original and the remake.Grant's reaction on seeing Terry's painting was not as deep and impressive as that of Boyer;Grant in the final scene seemed rather angry and investigating Terry in an agressive way and she was nearly humiliated.Boyer on the contrary was quite decent and gentle without hurting his lover's feelings.When Grant's grandmother refers to her hands saying she can't play on the piano,Grant only smiles while holding her hands.Boyer showed deep love and respect when he gently kissed her hands.
writers_reign
It's good to finally get the chance to compare the glossy, technicolor remake, An Affair To Remember with the original Black and White Love Affair from 1939. It's quintessential Leo McCarey; schmaltzy, sentimental, a definite 'three-hanky' entry and when he remade it after twenty years McCarey replicated it virtually shot for shot which makes comparing the two that much easier and the truth is the original is light years ahead of the remake. True, I have an aversion to Deborah Kerr who I accept is a competent actress and indeed did a tolerable job of the remake but Irene Dunne - despite the Kathryn Grayson/Jane Powell shrill soprano singing voice that grates in my ears - really inhabits the role and owns it. Of the two versions this is definitely the one to keep.
Amy Adler
Terry McKay (Irene Dunne), a nightclub singer from the States, goes on a sea voyage to Europe. At this time, the Thirties, Atlantic crossings take at least a couple of weeks. One day, a love letter falls at her feet, through a porthole. But, its not for her! It was written for a gentleman, Michel (Charles Boyer) who accidentally let it fall. Terry begins to tease the man, who is rather famous for being both rich and a playboy. Newly engaged, this letter turns out not even to be from his own fiancé. Seeming bored with life in general, despite his approaching nuptials, he is struck by Terry's forthright and independent nature. Before long, he introduces her to his grandmother on Madeira and finds out that Terry has excellent musical abilities. Indeed, the grandmother likes Terry so much she vows to leave her a beautiful shawl upon her own death. So, its complicated. Terry has a steady boyfriend and Michel has his lady, What do they do with the budding feelings of love that are arriving, unbidden? Keeping boundaries, they nevertheless declare their passion for one another but agreed to wait six months. If, at the end of that time, they both show up on top of the Empire State Building near Christmas, they will marry. If one doesn't show, it will mean that it was never meant to be and they will never meet again. For six months, Terry moves to Philadelphia and scores it big as the headliner at a swanky nightclub. As the all important day approaches, she goes shopping for a new dress. But, just as she is crossing the street to see her beloved Michel, she is hit by a car and ends up in the hospital. Michel, stung, doesn't know about this, only believes that she really didn't love him after all. Will they really live separate lives from this point on? Before the enchanting An Affair to Remember, with Grant and Kerr, there was this lovely version of nearly the same story. Dunne is wonderful as the spunky Terry and, sister, she can sing! Boyer, too, is charming, elegant and romantic as Michel. The rest of the cast is nice, as is the scenery, costumes, storyline and vivid direction. Go back in time, why don't you, and choose this wonderful romance some enchanted evening!
Syl
Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer star in this romantic film about two potential lovers who come across on a cruise ship. First, they are magnificent and Hollywood legends. The film's been remade but I don't think it holds a candle to the original. Anyway, they travel on the ship and get to know each other. Dunne's character McKay plans to meet her Michel (played by Boyer) at the top of the Empire State Building on July 1. She describe the building as the closest to the heavens in New York City. Michel is an aspiring artist and Dunne plays an aspiring singer. Will they meet? Will something or somebody stop them? You have to wonder what the outcome will be with these two lovers? I won't spoil the story. Maria Oupenskaya does a marvelous job as Michel's grandmother. The rest of the cast is also fine but I don't recall many of their names. But this film made the Empire State Building a romantic location rather than just a tourist attraction. Still it's one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
