Boyer and Dunne make a thin story extremely watchable, virtually identical to its Fifties remake and completely different.For example, the radio commentators who open the movie are far more matter-of-fact than the remake, where TV seems to have made their 50's counterparts histrionic - bordering on hysteria, as though they're reporting the story of the Century. Boyer himself is much more convincing as a Provencal playboy than Grant and, thank god, there's no opening song screaming at you from the screen.Likewise, all the kids are far less intrusive in this version than the the 50's and the wardrobe is very much more subdued and realistic.As with the remake the best parts are those focusing on Boyer and Dunne. They're on-board banter and sophisticated soft-shoe almost match Grant and Kerr's.But this is where the two versions diverge seriously.The Boyer/Dunne dance plays like a ship board dalliance, not a sudden fall into love. Boyer, while more than willing to take advantage of an opportune coupling, never rises to the next level regardless of what the script wants. His energy level is identical in the final scene as the first, making the final scene fall somewhat flat. If this were the only version, that lack of intensity would likely have gone unnoticed.Compared to the Grant/Kerr version, there's no contest. Grant's performance in the final scene convincingly evolves from Hurt Schoolboy through Clueless Beau to Sudden Understanding in an organic progression that elevates the scene from mundane to iconic.This is not a criticism, simply an example of how the two versions diverge. On one hand, the Boyer/Dunne version is an eminently watchable and enjoyable film from a journeyman learning his trade.On the other-hand, the Grant/Kerr version is slightly flawed by emphasizing certain elements of the original but raises the story to the level of a classic love story. Kerr's performance shines with Grant keeping pace until the final scene where, almost led by the nose by Kerr, he gives a bravura performance.While the two are virtually identical they couldn't be more different.Odd, that, but fortunate. Two movies sharing so much yet each so unique to itself that both are worth as many watchings as you can handle.

The first half of this movie, through the arrival of the steamship in New York, is as good as it gets. Dunne and Boyer are marvelous as the young individuals who discover that, though they are engaged to others, they love each other. Maria Ouspenskaya gives a touching performance as Boyer's grandmother. (Why they are speaking French on Madeira I have no idea, but I guess it doesn't matter.) Once they arrive in New York and Dunne is injured in a car accident the movie seems to lose its focus, however. It's not bad, but it lacks the power it had in the first part.The last scene, however, when Boyer's character, without uttering a word, realizes that Dunne's character cannot walk, is very moving, as is the last several minutes.I haven't seen the remake, An Affair to Remember, in a long time, so I can't compare them. But this is definitely A Movie to Watch.

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!

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.