Un grande amore

This is a film of two genuine moods. The first half or so is a romantic story in the fine 1930s comedic tradition. The dialogue is witty, the characters charming, and the developing romance a joy to watch. The second half is a drama which is deep and engaging. The dignity with which the characters act through trying circumstances is wonderful, and a marked contrast and relief to the hysterical characters found in contemporary movies. To have two such different moods both handled with such extreme skill in the same movie makes this a rare gem.

The acting is superb; both Dunne and Boyer play with believable subtlety and emotional power. They drew me in so I cared enormously. Maria Ouspenskaya is, as always, superb. Compare her performance here with her blistering performance in her similar-but-opposite role in Dodsworth. The direction is very straightforward in its service to the story, with only the occasional standout moments: look for the superb shots of the couple's first kiss, of the reflected empire state building, and of the double headline. With a story and acting as strong as this, that's exactly as it should be.

"Love Affair", the fabulously romantic film of 1939, is the model in which two other remakes were fashioned, yet, this classic film stands out in our memory because the great chemistry between Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer.

The stars of "Love affair" exuded charm and sophistication, as well as good looks. It's easy to see why Michel falls for the beautiful Terry on board the luxury liner that is bringing them back to New York. The passengers' curiosity play well in the ship sequences. It's a great fun to watch Michel and Terry fall madly in love with one another, yet they must resolve their own entanglements with other people in order to be able to be together. Fate gets in their way.

Irene Dunne was an exquisite woman that played everything with enormous panache. Charles Boyer matches his co-star as the suave playboy who suddenly finds the love of his life. It's a joy to watch these two actors filling the screen. They made it so easy that their acting seems effortless.

In minor roles Maria Ouspenskaya, is seen as Michel's grandmother Janou, a lady who saw in Terry the perfect woman for her grandson. Lee Bowman is Kenneth, and Astrid Allwyn is the elegant Lois.

Thanks to Leo McCarey, this is a timeless film that will bring joy to audiences forever.

This timeless classic movie and superior adaptation deals about the known story of a wealthy singles(Charles Boyer,Irenee Dunne) on an Ocean liner . They know themselves and falling spontaneously in love but they're both recently engaged. Boyer and Dunne promise their love on the Empire State Building where agree a meeting months later, to see if their love still holds . But the tragedy takes place and Boyer bounds for Island Madeira.

This magnificent tearjerker is a clever tale plenty of good feeling, love story and unforgettable scenes in which the spectators ever feel drawn into the protagonists lives . The perceptible script is brought to life by a perfectly cast ensemble, as the wonderful Irene Dunne, the attractive Charles Boyer and the veteran Maria Ouspenskaya in a small but touching role; plus interventions very secondaries by Gerald Mohr and Joan Leslie. The usual RKO's musician Roy Webb composes a lush romantic score makes it easy on the ears. Expert cameraman Rudolph Mate creates a superb camera work full of fine detail. The motion picture is stunningly directed by Leo McCarey who directed a good remake, though inferior version, titled ¨Love affair(1957)¨with Gary Grant, Deborah Kerr and Richard Denning . Another and lesser version about this weepie story in contemporary look are the following :¨Sleepless in Seattle(1993)¨ by Nora Ephron with Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and ¨Love affair(1994)¨ by Glenn Gordon Caron with real life marriage , Warren Beatty and Anette Bening, and Katherine Hepburn.

When a film gets done three times for three generations, I guess you have to concede it's definitely got something going for it.

Lovers Charles Boyer/Irene Dunne, Cary Grant/Deborah Kerr, and Warren Beatty/Annette Bening all have their different appeal, but I think the story is universal. What woman who's seen this film hasn't dreamed of an ocean voyage where she will meet the love of her life?

Earnest and hopeful Irene Dunne goes on an ocean voyage where she meets continental playboy Charles Boyer. He's definitely a love 'em and leave 'em type, but there's something about Irene that keeps drawing him back.

It doesn't help that both are involved with different people. But this is the movies and we all know how things work out on film.

Mention should also be made of Maria Ouspenskaya as Boyer's beloved grandmother. She's a grand old lady and you know when I guy takes a girl home to meet granny, it's a sign he's hooked.

Lee Bowman is Irene's involvement and he's such a good guy, I kind of feel sorry for him he's getting dumped.

Leo McCarey directs these romantic films with a sure hand. For lovers of romance of all ages.

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)