Donne Tempo - Rewine
An Affair to Remember – 50th Anniversary Collection
(20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, $19.98)
By Jacquie Kubin
This 1957 film, directed by Leo McCarey has long been considered one of the cinema’s most romantic films. It tells not just the love story between Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McCay (Deborah Kerr) it asks the question “Do you have what it takes to follow your heart?”
Adding emotional angst to the film, the answer here is that yes, perennial playboy Nickie is able to walk away from his heiress fiancée and adopt the life of penniless painter in order to prove he has what it takes to be good enough for working class girl, Terry McCay.
Conversely, Ms. McKay is able to walk away from her Pink Champagne and diamonds, provided by her besotted business mogul boyfriend, in order to wait for Nickie to find the ability to be more than just a playboy, but a man worthy of love.
Then you have the plot twist; where all should have been well and they should have meet on the top of the Empire State Building “the closest place to Heaven we have in New York” fate intervenes and all that is left is the memories.
Or is it. Because I may not be the only person in the world to have not previously watched this movie, I won’t spoil the ending. If you have not seen the film, no plot spoilers follow, so read ahead.
What struck me about this film, other than the incredible romantic, sometimes mawkish, story line is the wonderful cinematography that was employed by director McCarey. The colors are remarkable and McCarey’s use of pale, if not bland, backgrounds to highlight his two very beautiful stars and Deborah Kerr’s gorgeous wardrobe, incredible skin and eyes is breathtaking.
Watching the film, you will notice that the action always come back to the center of the screen. The main characters in the scene are always lit and standing, or perched, in the very center of the screen. They walk in from the back or side of the action, always landing in the very midpoint of the screen.
We know, watching this film, that the background could be anything, anywhere and it would not matter. What matters is these characters and how they feel toward each other. McCarey created a film that has the watcher actually enjoying getting to know the characters within. From the main stars to the supportive cast.
An Affair to Remember may be, for some, a “tissue movie” meaning lots of tears are coming, but I found myself welling only when Terry McCay said good bye to Nickie’s grandmother, Janou (Cathleen Nesbitt). Cathleen Nesbitt is tres charming as an aging woman who has lost her soul mate to death and quietly sits, warm in her memories, while waiting to join him.
This scene is at the very middle of the film and with an older woman’s wisdom and knowledge she gives her beloved grandson the emotional permission to pursue a life of happiness with Ms. McCay. A permission that both Nickie and Terry need in order to follow their hearts, instead of the financial security freely given by their respective affianced.
As they are leaving Janou’s French Riviera Villa, McCay, after a proper goodbye, runs back up the stairs to hug Janou warmly, as if to say thank you, and that brought forth tears. The knowing that we need permission to follow our hearts, and that all to often, when that permission is not forthcoming, we don’t.
Throughout the film, and in this scene, Deborah Kerr’s character sings, quite beautifully. However, Kerr is not the songstress. Those vocals were actually sung my Marina Nixon, who also voiced Kerr’s songs in the King and I.
Of course, the film does not end here. But I will not spoil the end if you have not seen it. Because I can’t be the only person on earth who missed it.
(20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, $19.98)
By Jacquie Kubin
This 1957 film, directed by Leo McCarey has long been considered one of the cinema’s most romantic films. It tells not just the love story between Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McCay (Deborah Kerr) it asks the question “Do you have what it takes to follow your heart?”
Adding emotional angst to the film, the answer here is that yes, perennial playboy Nickie is able to walk away from his heiress fiancée and adopt the life of penniless painter in order to prove he has what it takes to be good enough for working class girl, Terry McCay.
Conversely, Ms. McKay is able to walk away from her Pink Champagne and diamonds, provided by her besotted business mogul boyfriend, in order to wait for Nickie to find the ability to be more than just a playboy, but a man worthy of love.
Then you have the plot twist; where all should have been well and they should have meet on the top of the Empire State Building “the closest place to Heaven we have in New York” fate intervenes and all that is left is the memories.
Or is it. Because I may not be the only person in the world to have not previously watched this movie, I won’t spoil the ending. If you have not seen the film, no plot spoilers follow, so read ahead.
What struck me about this film, other than the incredible romantic, sometimes mawkish, story line is the wonderful cinematography that was employed by director McCarey. The colors are remarkable and McCarey’s use of pale, if not bland, backgrounds to highlight his two very beautiful stars and Deborah Kerr’s gorgeous wardrobe, incredible skin and eyes is breathtaking.
Watching the film, you will notice that the action always come back to the center of the screen. The main characters in the scene are always lit and standing, or perched, in the very center of the screen. They walk in from the back or side of the action, always landing in the very midpoint of the screen.
We know, watching this film, that the background could be anything, anywhere and it would not matter. What matters is these characters and how they feel toward each other. McCarey created a film that has the watcher actually enjoying getting to know the characters within. From the main stars to the supportive cast.
An Affair to Remember may be, for some, a “tissue movie” meaning lots of tears are coming, but I found myself welling only when Terry McCay said good bye to Nickie’s grandmother, Janou (Cathleen Nesbitt). Cathleen Nesbitt is tres charming as an aging woman who has lost her soul mate to death and quietly sits, warm in her memories, while waiting to join him.
This scene is at the very middle of the film and with an older woman’s wisdom and knowledge she gives her beloved grandson the emotional permission to pursue a life of happiness with Ms. McCay. A permission that both Nickie and Terry need in order to follow their hearts, instead of the financial security freely given by their respective affianced.
As they are leaving Janou’s French Riviera Villa, McCay, after a proper goodbye, runs back up the stairs to hug Janou warmly, as if to say thank you, and that brought forth tears. The knowing that we need permission to follow our hearts, and that all to often, when that permission is not forthcoming, we don’t.
Throughout the film, and in this scene, Deborah Kerr’s character sings, quite beautifully. However, Kerr is not the songstress. Those vocals were actually sung my Marina Nixon, who also voiced Kerr’s songs in the King and I.
Of course, the film does not end here. But I will not spoil the end if you have not seen it. Because I can’t be the only person on earth who missed it.
TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES ...
When Terry and Nickie first meet, they are
separated by a wall and speak through a window.
How does this enhance or detract from that
first meeting?
Would you consider Terry and Nickie to be “two peas in a pod” in that they are both enmeshed in convenience matches that provide financial and lifestyle security?
Nickie’s grandmother, and we would assume family, is obviously well to do. Why do you think Nickie, when he chooses not to marry the New York City heiress finds himself financial woeful?
What about Terry McCay attracts Nickie and vice versa? Is it beauty, fashion sense, intelligent wit?
Keeping in mind that this film was released in 1957, how do the scenes with the children in Terry’s music class treat the “poor children” particularly the African American brother and sister?
Would you consider Terry and Nickie to be “two peas in a pod” in that they are both enmeshed in convenience matches that provide financial and lifestyle security?
Nickie’s grandmother, and we would assume family, is obviously well to do. Why do you think Nickie, when he chooses not to marry the New York City heiress finds himself financial woeful?
What about Terry McCay attracts Nickie and vice versa? Is it beauty, fashion sense, intelligent wit?
Keeping in mind that this film was released in 1957, how do the scenes with the children in Terry’s music class treat the “poor children” particularly the African American brother and sister?
EXTRAS ON THE DVD
An Affair to Remember History
Released in 1957, An Affair to Remember is director Leo McCarey’s recycled remake fo his 1939 film Love Affair starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer. In recreating his film, McCarey kept to the same screenplay as the original film written by Donalad Ogden Stewart and Delmer Daves.
Unique to the 1957 film, which is considered by the American Film Institute to be one of the top romantic films of all time, was its theme song “An Affair to Remember (Our Love Affair” composed by Harry Warren, lyrics by Leo McCArey and Harold Adamson and son by Vic Damone.
Director Leo McCarey’s quessential love story was revised twice more. Nora Ephron’s 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan was inspired by the film and clips of the 1957 movie can be seen within the film. In 1994 the film was remade, once again titled Love Affair, starring Warren Beatty and Annette Bening.
Plenty of additional facts and trivia about the film can be learned watching it again, this time with the Audio Commentary featuring insights from singer Marnie Nixon and Film Historian Joseph McBride who offers fascinating insights into not only the technical details but also the period in cinema and social history and how the late 1950’s are reflected in the film.
Other historical features include a fun black and white “Movietonews” clip of celebrities arriving for the films premier and the original theatrical trailer. Also, just for fun, each jewel case includes four postcards with black and white images from the original film.
— From the Fox web site
Released in 1957, An Affair to Remember is director Leo McCarey’s recycled remake fo his 1939 film Love Affair starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer. In recreating his film, McCarey kept to the same screenplay as the original film written by Donalad Ogden Stewart and Delmer Daves.
Unique to the 1957 film, which is considered by the American Film Institute to be one of the top romantic films of all time, was its theme song “An Affair to Remember (Our Love Affair” composed by Harry Warren, lyrics by Leo McCArey and Harold Adamson and son by Vic Damone.
Director Leo McCarey’s quessential love story was revised twice more. Nora Ephron’s 1993 film, Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan was inspired by the film and clips of the 1957 movie can be seen within the film. In 1994 the film was remade, once again titled Love Affair, starring Warren Beatty and Annette Bening.
Plenty of additional facts and trivia about the film can be learned watching it again, this time with the Audio Commentary featuring insights from singer Marnie Nixon and Film Historian Joseph McBride who offers fascinating insights into not only the technical details but also the period in cinema and social history and how the late 1950’s are reflected in the film.
Other historical features include a fun black and white “Movietonews” clip of celebrities arriving for the films premier and the original theatrical trailer. Also, just for fun, each jewel case includes four postcards with black and white images from the original film.
— From the Fox web site
(VIDEO EXTRA) The Actors in Action
Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McCay
(Deborah Kerr).
DRINKS FOR THE EVENING
Donne Tempo Valentine Pink-Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 shot of Chambourd or raspberry flavored liquer
1 tsp of sugar or simple syrup (recipe follows)
Champagne, Sparkling Wine such as Proseco or sparkling cider.
Preparation:
Mix the Chambourd and sugar or simply syrup together into the bottom of a flute or champagne glass, Carefully add Champagne (or sparking wine, such as Proseco or, if non-alocholic is your wish, a sparkling cider) to fill.
Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve with dark chocolate squares.
Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
2 parts sugar
1 part water
Preparation:
Bring water to a boil and dissolve sugar in boiling water until it reduces about 50% and remove from heat. Let cool completely and bottle. Keep refridgerated.
Ingredients:
1 shot of Chambourd or raspberry flavored liquer
1 tsp of sugar or simple syrup (recipe follows)
Champagne, Sparkling Wine such as Proseco or sparkling cider.
Preparation:
Mix the Chambourd and sugar or simply syrup together into the bottom of a flute or champagne glass, Carefully add Champagne (or sparking wine, such as Proseco or, if non-alocholic is your wish, a sparkling cider) to fill.
Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve with dark chocolate squares.
Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
2 parts sugar
1 part water
Preparation:
Bring water to a boil and dissolve sugar in boiling water until it reduces about 50% and remove from heat. Let cool completely and bottle. Keep refridgerated.
FOOD TO VIEW BY - Salmon in Mustard Dill
Salmon in Mustard Dill/Parmesean Cheese crust
with Black Jasmine Rice and Peas
Ingredients:
2-1/2 pound pieces of Fresh caught King Salmon with Skin
1 jar Mustard Dill Sauce (Available at Harry and Davids or Whole Foods or make your own – recipe follows)
Grape Seed Oil
Fresh grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
Preparation:
Preheat over to 450
Remove salmon from refrigerator and using a serrated knife push down on the fleshy side and find any bones. These can be grabbed and pulled out using the serrated knife and thumb. If the don’t pull out easily, determine the angle of the bones and sliced along them and then pull them out.
Cover fish top and sides with mustard dill sauce (homemade or store bought).
Cover bottom of pan with grape seed oil and heat until very hot. Grape seed oil does not smoke, smell or impart any flavor to the fish.
Once hot, (carefully flick one drop of water to the oil and if it sizzles, its hot) place fish skin side down on oil using spatula to transfer. Let cook for approximately 10 minutes until the bottom 1/4-1/2 of the filet has changed color from the orange to a milky orange.
Remove salmon from pan and move to oven safe dish. Sprinkle heavily with cheese. Place in oven for 10 minutes and reduce heat to 400. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes and check temperature for done (130 degrees on the instant read thermometer).
When finished, remove salmon from dish, separating the flesh from the skin with the spatula and plate with serving of Black Jasmine Rice (available in most supermarkets) and fresh peas with butter.
Serve with additional Mustard Dill Sauce
Mustard Dill Sauce
Ingrediants:
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
1 tbsp. sliced green onion
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/3 c. + 1 tsp. bottled lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. dill weed
Preparation:
Combine first four ingredients. Fold in 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon dill weed. Cover and chill.
Combine remaining lemon juice and dill weed and pour over salmon, marinating in refrigerator for 1 hour.
Ingredients:
2-1/2 pound pieces of Fresh caught King Salmon with Skin
1 jar Mustard Dill Sauce (Available at Harry and Davids or Whole Foods or make your own – recipe follows)
Grape Seed Oil
Fresh grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
Preparation:
Preheat over to 450
Remove salmon from refrigerator and using a serrated knife push down on the fleshy side and find any bones. These can be grabbed and pulled out using the serrated knife and thumb. If the don’t pull out easily, determine the angle of the bones and sliced along them and then pull them out.
Cover fish top and sides with mustard dill sauce (homemade or store bought).
Cover bottom of pan with grape seed oil and heat until very hot. Grape seed oil does not smoke, smell or impart any flavor to the fish.
Once hot, (carefully flick one drop of water to the oil and if it sizzles, its hot) place fish skin side down on oil using spatula to transfer. Let cook for approximately 10 minutes until the bottom 1/4-1/2 of the filet has changed color from the orange to a milky orange.
Remove salmon from pan and move to oven safe dish. Sprinkle heavily with cheese. Place in oven for 10 minutes and reduce heat to 400. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes and check temperature for done (130 degrees on the instant read thermometer).
When finished, remove salmon from dish, separating the flesh from the skin with the spatula and plate with serving of Black Jasmine Rice (available in most supermarkets) and fresh peas with butter.
Serve with additional Mustard Dill Sauce
Mustard Dill Sauce
Ingrediants:
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. sour cream
1 tbsp. sliced green onion
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/3 c. + 1 tsp. bottled lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. dill weed
Preparation:
Combine first four ingredients. Fold in 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon dill weed. Cover and chill.
Combine remaining lemon juice and dill weed and pour over salmon, marinating in refrigerator for 1 hour.
FOOD TO VIEW BY - Brie Baked in a French Bread Wheel
Brie Baked in a French Bread Wheel
Ingredients:
1 Pillsbury french loaf, pop and fresh bake
8 ounce wheel of Brie cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan. Place Brie on bake pan. Take raw French bread loaf and stretch out to double the length. Wrap Brie with French bread, creating a bit of a nest.
You only want one wrap of the bread around the Brie and it may be, if you are using a small wheel of cheese, that you want to only use part of the bread. Save the rest and back to serve with dinner.
Bake Brie in oven following the directions for French bread.
Half way through the baking time, sprinkle almonds evenly over the top. You need just enough time for almonds to toast. Remove from baking pan to plate, with large spatula when done.
Garnish with sliced strawberries or other fruit. If fresh fruit is not available, a fig or raspberry jam would go nicely as well. You may want to cover the Brie with the jam 5 minutes before removing from oven while omitting the almonds.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Ingredients:
1 Pillsbury french loaf, pop and fresh bake
8 ounce wheel of Brie cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan. Place Brie on bake pan. Take raw French bread loaf and stretch out to double the length. Wrap Brie with French bread, creating a bit of a nest.
You only want one wrap of the bread around the Brie and it may be, if you are using a small wheel of cheese, that you want to only use part of the bread. Save the rest and back to serve with dinner.
Bake Brie in oven following the directions for French bread.
Half way through the baking time, sprinkle almonds evenly over the top. You need just enough time for almonds to toast. Remove from baking pan to plate, with large spatula when done.
Garnish with sliced strawberries or other fruit. If fresh fruit is not available, a fig or raspberry jam would go nicely as well. You may want to cover the Brie with the jam 5 minutes before removing from oven while omitting the almonds.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.