One Special Night

I have always admired a film based on a story with steadily ascending human values. Like "An Affair to Remember", the story in "One Special Night" begins with a negative relationship between Garner and Andrews but, as they become better acquainted, their antagonism goes into neutral. When they are finally forced to take refuge in a deserted house to shelter from the heavy snowstorm and they eventually discover that they both possess that sublime quality of positive human values, their affection for one another gradually develops into a beautiful kind of love superbly suited to their advanced age. The dialogue between Andrews and Garner is admirably sober, witty, and often deeply touching. One feels compelled to offer congratulations also to writers Hartman and Silvers, and director Roger Young for a truly heart-warming story. One would wish to be witnessing a reversal of the sleazy trend so frequently adopted by the movie makers of the last quarter of the twentieth century. I gave this story a score of 9, and I added another point for the fact that the film was produced well after what I've always considered to be the golden age of Hollywood movies (1930-70) in this age when films are being made in abundance but rarely with any depth of meaning.

My spouse & I count this movie as one of our all time favorites & a MUST SEE for the holidays. We never miss it, as it is an extremely enjoyable, fun, romantic & heartwarming movie, with a superb cast who give fantastic performances. Ms. Andrews & Mr. Garner, reportedly close friends in real life, have a lot of "spark" together & the dialog written for them is, at times, hysterical. There are some sad points in the movie, which only make it more believable & true-to-life. The scenery in this movie is gorgeous & there are a few stories going on at once, making it a non-stop enjoyable movie. The title, "One Special Night" defines the catalyst for a lifetime of special love & relationships.

This is a nice TV movie starring screen legends James Garner and Julie Andrews. Garner plays construction contractor Robert Woodward who encounters medical doctor Catherine (Andrews) after having problems getting a taxi home during a snowstorm. After Catherine offers him a ride, her car gets stuck in the snow, forcing them to spend the night at an empty cabin, resulting in at first a fiery, but later an unlikely relationship.

There is great chemistry between Garner and Andrews and both delivered some solid portrayals of their respective characters. Their presence really made this drama a worthy viewing experience and made the plot, although slow at times, entertaining. This movie also captures the values and integrity of humans and the genuine love and special bond people share - things sorely missing in many of today's movies.

I will always remember Julie Andrews as Maria from Sound of Music, but it is great seeing her in a TV production later on in the years. It's one special movie for everyone.

Grade B

Watched this again this weekend. I have seen it every year since it's premiere in 1999. Andrews and Garner (in their third film together) still have chemistry together--and then some. This is truly a classic, and a sterling example of what a Holiday movie should be. The entire cast performs beautifully, the wintry atmosphere is completely captivating and the musical score is perfect. Add to these a script which is believable and touching without becoming trite. Everyone gets an "A" for their work in this, but in the end, it's truly the perfect performances of Andrews and Garner that make this such a memorable experience.

A lovely story; easy watching and for once it is nice to care about the characters in a story. No drugs, no sex. Just love. As a transplanted northerner I loved seeing the snow and pretty scenery. Aren't Julie Andrews and James Garner lovely together?