Love Affair

Love Affair is one of my favorite movies. Irene Dunne is a lovely lady, who sings beautifully. Charles Boyer is a subtle, elegant actor who wins my heart every time. Maria Ouspenskaya is lovely as Boyer's grandmother. I understand from Boyer's biography, that he suggested the scene with her as a method of making his character more sympathetic. What an addition to the film! I prefer this version of the story to the later one. Watch the scene near the end when Boyer realizes that his painting was given to Dunne and understands what happened the night he waited at the Empire State Building. What acting!

This is the best of the two films (Love Affair, An Affair To Remember). I love the two stars; Boyer has never been so charming and Irene so darn loveable. The song "Wishing" by the 3 little girls gets to me every time. Just so sweet. And Irene sings two lovely songs herself. The scene at the end when Boyer looks at his painting and realizes what has happened to keep his love from him is so much more true than when Grant does the same in "Affair" that it makes all the difference. I always think Grant is too obviously acting, and it just doesn't ring true. But Boyer does it just right. The story has been reviewed many times here so I won't do it again. Just say that the spell cast by the film is perfect for all romantics. Just watch and enjoy.

What a year that was... 1939! So many great movies produced in a 12 month period! And this ranks up there with any of them. especially if you are looking for a romance. Irene Dunne is wonderful in her role, her expressive face conveyed her emotions and reactions so well it is like reading her mind. She ws beautiful and charming and perfect in her part. Charles Boyer as the quintessential French gadabout, seemingly unfeeling toward women but true love melts his heart. Yes this indeed was the original "Meet me at the top of the Empire Stae Building" film and it sets a standard hard to beat. Recommended highly, would make a great triple feature with "An Affair To Remember" and "Sleepless In Seattle". (in that order)