One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!!!***
96. Love Affair (1939) Directed by Leo McCarey
The Movie: A handsome and dashing French painter, Michel Marnett (Charles Boyer) meets a beautiful American singer, Terry McKay (Irene Dunne) onboard a transatlantic cruise. Michel is a womanizer and engaged to an heiress named Lois (Astrid Allwyn) and Terry is engaged to a man named Kenneth (Lee Bowman). Both Terry and Michel began to find the other attractive and have dinner with one another. Terry is well aware of Michel’s reputation and when people start to notice them together they agree to not dine as a couple.
Terry agrees to visit Michel’s grandmother Janou (Maria Ouspenskaya) in Maderia, which complicates Terry’s feelings for Michel more as Janou and her have a wonderful time together. Janou tells Terry that she wants Michel to settle down and get married.
As they arrive in New York, they agree to meet on the top of the Empire State Building in six months. Michel wants that time to see if he can make money as an artist. Terry breaks her engagement off and agrees to be a singer at a night club in Philadelphia.
The date arrives for the meet on top of the Empire State Building, but Terry never makes it. She is struck by a car on the way and is told she may be paralyzed. The doctors inform her that they will not know for certain for six months. Terry does not want to burden Michel if she is in fact paralyzed and does not tell him. Michel, heartbroken that Terry never arrives. He soon returns to Maderia after learning his grandmother has passed away and returns to New York to continue his work at an ad agency.
Terry is overheard singing at the garden while she is in therapy by the owner of a children’s orphanage. Impressed, Terry is asked to be the music teacher there.
Terry decides that she is going to go out for Christmas Eve and goes to a theater. There, she happens to run into Michel. Michel does not learn of Terry’s disability until the next day when he surprises her at her apartment. Michel learns finally what happened to Terry and Terry learns that Michel has changed his womanizing ways. Michel tells Terry that he will be with her, no matter how her diagnosis turns out.
Why I Love Love Affair (1939): Two words. One person. Irene Dunne. I adore Irene Dunne she is my most favorite Golden Age Hollywood Actress. She is immensely talented, beautiful and funny. All of her qualities are on full display in Leo McCarey’s Love Affair.
Dunne flexes not only her acting chops but her incredible singing voice as well. Charles Boyer is also up to the task as the dashing leading man that he is.
Although Cary Grant is my favorite actor, Love Affair is a better film than its remake An Affair to Remember. Although McCarey returned for the remake as writer director, here Dunne just outshines the talented Deborah Kerr in the role of Terry.
The black and white photography is stunning with foggy accents that pepper the voyage on the ship to the bustle of New York City every scene is alive in its own special way.
McCarey is in top form as he stated the idea for Love Affair came from his own trip across the ocean. McCarey was also growing tired of screwball comedies and wanted to stretch himself as a director. His restrained approach serves the film well.
Beautifully shot and told, Love Affair is a romantic film worth falling in love with.