🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Leo McCarey
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Release year: 1957
- Runtime (length): 1h 55min
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10 (34K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two people already engaged to others meet on a cruise, promise to dump their partners and meet atop the Empire State Building, but someone gets hit by a car, leading to dramatic irony and prolonged suffering until the power of painting heals all… somehow.
🍿 An Affair to Remember: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Meeting on the Ship
Nickie Ferrante, a charming but notorious playboy engaged to a wealthy heiress, meets Terry McKay, a nightclub singer engaged to another man, on a transatlantic cruise from Europe to New York. Initially, they are cautious around each other, but over several days, a strong connection develops, fueled by witty banter and stolen moments. They try to resist their growing feelings, aware of their commitments to others, but find themselves drawn together.

Visit to Grandmother Janou
During a stopover in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Nickie takes Terry to visit his beloved grandmother, Janou. The visit deeply affects both of them. Janou sees the genuine affection between Nickie and Terry, offering words of wisdom about love and life. This visit solidifies their feelings for each other, and they share a kiss, acknowledging their love.

The Agreement and Separation
As the cruise nears its end, Nickie and Terry realize they must make a difficult decision. They agree to end their current relationships and pursue new careers. They make a pact to meet again in six months atop the Empire State Building. This gives them time to sort out their lives and prove their commitment to a future together.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant): A charming playboy and talented painter who falls in love with Terry while engaged to another woman, leading him to re-evaluate his life.
- Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr): A sophisticated nightclub singer who finds unexpected love with Nickie, altering the course of her life and relationship.
- Kenneth Bradley (Richard Denning): Terry’s steadfast and supportive, but ultimately unfulfilling, fiancé who represents security and stability.
- Lois Clark (Neva Patterson): Nickie’s wealthy fiancée whose life is disrupted by his affair and the subsequent changes in his life.
- Grandmother Janou (Cathleen Nesbitt): Nickie’s wise and compassionate grandmother who influences Nickie and Terry’s relationship through her understanding and love.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Terry McKay: “Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.” – Terry reflects on the importance of memories as she and Nickie begin to connect emotionally.
- Terry McKay: “If you can paint, I can walk.” – Terry says this at the very end, after Nickie discovers her paralysis, symbolizing hope and their enduring love.
- Grandmother Janou: “If you can love deeply, any thing is possible.” – Grandmother Janou shares her wisdom with Terry, solidifying the film’s core message
💰Box Office
- Budget: $3,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $3,850,000
- Worldwide Gross: $3,856,344
💥 An Affair to Remember Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this movie for the first time as a teenager, and I was completely swept away by the romance. The scene where they visit Nickie’s grandmother is so touching and sincere. I still tear up every time during the ending – the emotions just feel so genuine. It is also a classic New York film, which makes me love it even more. It’s a perfect movie for a cozy night in.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic Hollywood romance movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy stories about fate and second chances”
- “Those who appreciate films with beautiful scenery and costumes”
- “Admirers of Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief references to infidelity”
- “Emotional distress”
- “Depiction of a car accident (non-graphic)”
- “Brief ableist trope.”
Professional Reviews
- Film Review Daily: “A timeless classic that explores the complexities of love and commitment. Grant and Kerr’s chemistry is undeniable, making this a must-see for romance enthusiasts. The ending is emotionally resonant.
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While occasionally melodramatic, “An Affair to Remember” is a beautifully shot and acted romance that tugs at the heartstrings. The Empire State Building scene remains iconic.
- AllMovie: “A classic for a reason. The movie perfectly balances the lighthearted banter of early romance with the heart-wrenching drama of unexpected circumstances. Grant and Kerr are superb.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is electric and makes the movie truly special.: Viewers consistently praise the actors’ on-screen presence, making their bond palpable.
The ending is incredibly emotional and always brings tears to my eyes.: Many viewers find the finale emotionally resonant and affecting.
Overall Consensus: A beloved classic romantic drama, praised for its stellar performances and timeless story. While some find it overly sentimental, its emotional impact remains undeniable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This is a remake of the 1939 film ‘Love Affair,’ also directed by Leo McCarey. He won an Oscar for Best Original Story for the first version.”
- “Marni Nixon, who dubbed Deborah Kerr’s singing in ‘The King and I,’ also provided her singing voice in ‘An Affair to Remember.'”
🖥️ How to Watch An Affair to Remember?
An Affair to Remember is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for television airings. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies for purchase online and in stores. Affiliate links may be available on some platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed An Affair to Remember, you might like these similar films:
- Love Affair (1939): The original film that ‘An Affair to Remember’ is based on, with a slightly different tone.
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993): Features ‘An Affair to Remember’ prominently, highlighting a similar theme of destiny and romance.
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995): Explores a brief but intense love affair and its lasting impact on the characters’ lives.
- Brief Encounter (1945): Deals with a similarly forbidden love and the moral dilemmas it presents in a restrained, British setting.
🛒 An Affair to Remember Related Products
- Empire State Building Souvenir: A detailed replica of the iconic Empire State Building, perfect for fans of the movie and New York City. Great desk ornament.
- Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style: A pictorial celebration of Cary Grant’s sophisticated fashion sense, featuring rare photos and insights into his influence on men’s style.
- Deborah Kerr: A Life: A detailed biography exploring the life and career of Deborah Kerr, including insights into her iconic roles and personal life.
- An Affair to Remember (DVD): Relive the magic of this classic romance with the digitally remastered DVD. Includes behind-the-scenes features and commentary.
🎧 Soundtrack
An Affair to Remember features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie takes place primarily on a transatlantic cruise from Europe to New York, with significant scenes in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, and New York City.
No, ‘An Affair to Remember’ is not based on a true story. It is a remake of the 1939 film ‘Love Affair,’ also directed by Leo McCarey.
The Empire State Building symbolizes hope and commitment in ‘An Affair to Remember.’ It’s the place where Nickie and Terry agree to meet if they both decide to pursue a future together, making it a crucial landmark in their love story.
🔥 Bonus Content
An affair to remember?😂 #bewitched #darrinstephens #bestmoments
Who doesn’t love a bit of classic Hollywood romance? This clip seems to be about affairs, which is quite a theme in “An Affair to Remember”. I’m curious to see if the clip lives up to the title!
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