It's not difficult to see why AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER has endured for so many decades as a romantic drama, consistently rated as one of the most romantic films of all time.
The first half of the film was rather slow, as it introduced us to characters and established their backgrounds and links. It wasn't so much the script as the interaction between Nicky (Cary Grant) and Terry (Deborah Kerr) that was intriguing--the little stolen moments, the careful words, and even that tiny, indirect farewell kiss Nicky bestows on Terry's hand as they part company when coming off the steamer. It all builds up to a terrific denouement, and I have to admit to being thrilled when Nicky turns up at Terry's door, and increasingly horrified as he baits her about missing their meeting atop the Empire State building.
Cary Grant is charming as always, and, at age 53, still able to get a girl's heart to stop dead in its tracks. Who *wouldn't* have been too busy thinking about him to get into a devastating car accident? Deborah Kerr is lovely as well, and the direction of the film is excellent. We don't get soundtracks like this anymore, either--soft, romantically lush, with children serenading the audience as much as they do Terry.
If this movie had been made today, I would probably be cynical and think of it as emotionally exploitative. But, with its impeccable cast playing each line sincerely and truthfully, it works. The set-up is simple; the heart of it is unforgettable: this is true of both Nicky and Terry's relationship, as well as the film as a whole.
The first half of the film was rather slow, as it introduced us to characters and established their backgrounds and links. It wasn't so much the script as the interaction between Nicky (Cary Grant) and Terry (Deborah Kerr) that was intriguing--the little stolen moments, the careful words, and even that tiny, indirect farewell kiss Nicky bestows on Terry's hand as they part company when coming off the steamer. It all builds up to a terrific denouement, and I have to admit to being thrilled when Nicky turns up at Terry's door, and increasingly horrified as he baits her about missing their meeting atop the Empire State building.
Cary Grant is charming as always, and, at age 53, still able to get a girl's heart to stop dead in its tracks. Who *wouldn't* have been too busy thinking about him to get into a devastating car accident? Deborah Kerr is lovely as well, and the direction of the film is excellent. We don't get soundtracks like this anymore, either--soft, romantically lush, with children serenading the audience as much as they do Terry.
If this movie had been made today, I would probably be cynical and think of it as emotionally exploitative. But, with its impeccable cast playing each line sincerely and truthfully, it works. The set-up is simple; the heart of it is unforgettable: this is true of both Nicky and Terry's relationship, as well as the film as a whole.