Love Affair

Plot

Michel Marnet (Charles Boyer), a charming French painter and notorious playboy, meets Terry McKay (Irene Dunne), an American nightclub singer, aboard an ocean liner crossing from Europe to America. Both are engaged to wealthy people but find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other during the voyage. They make a pact to separate for six months, end their current relationships, and then reunite at the top of the Empire State Building if their feelings remain true. On the fateful day, Terry is struck by a car while rushing to meet Michel, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Not wanting to burden Michel with her disability, she disappears and avoids him for months. Michel, heartbroken and believing she rejected him, eventually discovers her by chance in a church where she is teaching music to children, leading to their emotional reunion and reconciliation as he accepts her condition and reaffirms his love.

Historical Background

'Love Affair' was released in October 1939, during what many consider the greatest year in Hollywood history, alongside classics like 'Gone with the Wind,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' The film premiered just weeks after Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of World War II in Europe. This historical context added depth to the film's themes of separation, uncertainty, and the preciousness of love in troubled times. The Great Depression was ending, and America was cautiously optimistic about the future, though wary of European conflicts. The film's portrayal of sophisticated international romance reflected the cosmopolitan nature of pre-war society, while its emphasis on traditional values and emotional commitment resonated with audiences seeking stability amid global uncertainty. The Empire State Building, featured prominently in the film, had recently lost its title as the world's tallest building but remained a powerful symbol of American ambition and hope. The film's release came at a time when Hollywood was transitioning from the Production Code's stricter enforcement to more nuanced storytelling that could address adult themes within acceptable boundaries.

Making Of

The production of 'Love Affair' was marked by several challenges and innovations. Director Leo McCarey, who had just won an Oscar for 'The Awful Truth,' was given complete creative control by RKO. He wrote the screenplay himself, drawing from personal experiences and his belief in the power of fate and destiny. The casting process was tumultuous; originally intended for Carole Lombard, who left to do 'Made for Each Other,' the role of Terry ultimately went to Irene Dunne, who brought her own musical talents to the part. The shipboard scenes were filmed on a massive, detailed set that recreated the luxury of a transatlantic liner. McCarey insisted on authentic locations, particularly for the New York sequences, which was unusual for the era when most films were shot entirely on studio backlots. The chemistry between Dunne and Boyer was immediate and genuine, with both actors bringing their star power and emotional depth to their roles. McCarey's direction style emphasized naturalism and emotional truth, often allowing the actors to improvise within the scene's framework. The film's production coincided with the outbreak of World War II in Europe, adding a layer of poignancy to the story of lovers separated by circumstances beyond their control.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Leo Tover employed a soft, romantic visual style that enhanced the film's emotional narrative. The shipboard sequences used diffused lighting and careful framing to create an intimate, dreamlike atmosphere, emphasizing the enclosed world where the lovers' relationship develops. Tover utilized deep focus techniques in the Empire State Building scenes to convey both the grand scale of the setting and the personal drama unfolding within it. The film's visual palette shifted from the warm, golden tones of the shipboard romance to the cooler, more muted colors of the separation and reunion sequences, visually tracking the emotional journey of the characters. Tover employed subtle camera movements, particularly gentle tracking shots during the romantic scenes, that created a sense of floating and emotional weightlessness. The church scene where Michel discovers Terry teaching children was shot with natural light streaming through stained glass windows, creating a halo effect that suggested spiritual redemption and grace. The cinematography balanced glamour with realism, particularly in the New York location shots, which brought an authenticity unusual for films of the period.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in technical innovation, 'Love Affair' employed several notable techniques that advanced cinematic storytelling. The film's use of location shooting in New York, particularly at the Empire State Building, was relatively rare for major studio productions of the era, which typically relied entirely on studio sets and backdrops. The shipboard sequences featured an impressively detailed and realistic set that included moving parts to simulate ocean motion, creating a more immersive experience for the actors and audience. The film's sound recording, supervised by John L. Cass, captured the subtle nuances of the performances, particularly the whispered intimate scenes between the leads. The makeup work on Maria Ouspenskaya to create her elderly appearance was considered state-of-the-art for the time, using advanced aging techniques that were remarkably convincing. The film's editing by James B. Clark employed smooth transitions between time periods and locations, maintaining emotional continuity throughout the narrative. The special effects used to create the Empire State Building sequences, combining matte paintings and location shots, were seamless and effective. The film's production design by Van Nest Polglase created believable environments that supported the story's emotional journey, from the luxury of the ocean liner to the humble church where the lovers reunite.

Music

The musical score for 'Love Affair' was composed by Roy Webb, who created a lush, romantic orchestral underscore that perfectly complemented the film's emotional arc. The most memorable musical element was the original song 'Wishing' (also known as 'Our Love Affair'), composed by Mack David with lyrics by Buddy Feyne. This theme appeared throughout the film in various arrangements, serving as a musical representation of the lovers' bond. Irene Dunne, an accomplished singer, performed the song herself in the nightclub sequence, bringing her character's musical background to life. The score incorporated elements of French music to reflect Michel's heritage, using accordion and subtle French café-style instrumentation during his scenes. Webb's orchestration swelled during the romantic moments and receded during the more dramatic sequences, always serving the emotional needs of the story. The film's soundtrack also included period-appropriate popular songs that played during the shipboard scenes, creating an authentic 1930s atmosphere. The music was so effective that 'Wishing' became a popular standard, recorded by numerous artists including Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters. The soundtrack was released on 78 RPM records and sold well, unusual for a film score at the time.

Memorable Scenes

• The shipboard romance where Michel and Terry first realize their feelings while watching the sunset, with McCarey's camera capturing their growing intimacy through subtle glances and gestures.
• The emotional farewell at the dock where the lovers part, with Irene Dunne's heartbreaking performance conveying both hope and fear about their future.
• The Empire State Building sequence where Terry waits desperately for Michel, intercut with her rushing through traffic and the tragic accident that changes everything.
• The church scene where Michel discovers Terry teaching music to children, leading to their emotional confrontation and reconciliation.
• The final scene where Michel accepts Terry's condition and they embrace, with the camera pulling back to show them silhouetted against the church windows.
• The grandmother's deathbed scene where she gives Terry her blessing and wisdom about love and acceptance.
• The piano performance scene where Terry sings 'Wishing,' revealing her musical talent and inner vulnerability.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Love Affair' for its emotional depth, sophisticated performances, and McCarey's sensitive direction. The New York Times' Frank S. Nugent called it 'a tender and affecting romance' and particularly praised Irene Dunne's performance as 'beautifully modulated.' Variety noted the film's 'adult approach to romance' and predicted it would 'appeal strongly to the feminine audience.' Modern critics have recognized the film as a classic of the genre, with many preferring its subtlety to the more famous 1957 remake. The film holds a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics consensus noting its 'timeless romance and powerful performances.' Film historian Jeanine Basinger has written that 'Love Affair' represents 'the pinnacle of sophisticated Hollywood romance before the war changed everything.' The film is frequently cited in discussions of the greatest romantic films ever made, often ranking alongside films like 'Casablanca' and 'Now, Voyager' in critical assessments of 1930s romantic cinema.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1939 embraced 'Love Affair' enthusiastically, making it one of the year's box office successes for RKO Pictures. The film resonated particularly with female viewers who identified with Terry's dilemma between practicality and passion. Movie theaters reported that audiences often wept openly during the emotional scenes, especially the final reunion. The film's word-of-mouth reputation grew steadily, leading to extended runs in many cities. The chemistry between Dunne and Boyer was a major draw, with fan magazines of the era filled with letters praising their on-screen pairing. The Empire State Building scenes became talking points, with many viewers reporting they were moved to visit the landmark themselves. The film's success led to increased demand for similar sophisticated romances, influencing Hollywood's production trends. Over the decades, the film has maintained a devoted following among classic film enthusiasts, with many preferring its understated approach to the more famous remake. The film's annual television broadcasts in the 1950s and 1960s introduced it to new generations, cementing its status as a beloved classic.

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