Disappointing, given its status and the talent involved. I have a hunch I'll enjoy the original version much more, as it's far less likely to suffer from the same problems - primarily, that contrived/hollow/manufactured feeling not uncommon in Hollywood films of this era. (Also, were the singing kids really necessary?) The last 15 minutes are great, though.

A touching movie, a remake of the 1939 Love Affair. Very enjoyable.

Before 1993's Sleepless in Seattle, lovers were set to meet at the top of the Empire State building in 1957's An Affair to Remember, a straight remake of 1939's Love Affair, so it's very much a part of movie history. This influential romance between a French playboy and a nightclub singer is filled with the banter this era of Hollywood film-making is known and appreciated for, with Deborah Kerr a particular stand-out, impish, funny and endearing. I tend to find Cary Grant too glib, but he has his moments. Though mostly romance and comedy, there are melodramatic notes (and musical ones too) making for a rich experience that's fun to discover and rediscover in the details. It starts a little abruptly and has some airy padding along the way, but has enough charm you're hardly bothered by the faults. An ode to Bohemian freedom fighting back against loveless pragmatism. And isn't that the essence of the Romantic?