Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Robert Mulligan

Writer:

Arnold Schulman (written by)

Release Date:

25 December 1963 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

she needed him...he needed her...if they only realize it!

Plot:

Angie Rossini is an innocent (Italian Catholic) Macy's salesgirl, who discovers she's pregnant from a fling with Rocky...

Plot Keywords:

Musician | Abortion | Italian | Department Store | Catholic

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Natalie Wood	...	Angie Rossini
Steve McQueen	...	Rocky Papasano
Edie Adams	...	Barbie
Herschel Bernardi	...	Dominick Rossini
Anne Hegira	...	Beetie
Harvey Lembeck	...	Julio Rossini
Mario Badolati	...	Elio Papasano
Penny Santon	...	Mama Rossini
Elena Karam	...	The Woman
Virginia Vincent	...	Anna
Nina Varela	...	Mrs. Columbo
E. Nick Alexander	...	Guido Rossini
Marilyn Chris	...	Gina
Augusta Ciolli	...	Mrs. Papasano
Wolfe Barzell	...	The Priest

Runtime:

102 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Pakula-Mulligan

Trivia:

Tom Bosley's movie debut.

Quotes:

Rocky Papasano: [in Barbie's apartment after he and Angie stayed the night there] What are *you* doing here?
Barbie: Payin' the rent, for one thing. Which brings me to little orphan Annie you parked here - incidentally without my permission, number one which I would not give you, number two over my dead body.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Steve McQueen: The King of Cool (1998) (TV)

I heard bells and banjos with this one

You will get the title and the one line summary if you've seen the flick. I know it sounds like an old chick flick, and to some it might be. However, I think anyone can enjoy this strange love-story. I simply adore this movie. My friends were turned off because it is in black and white, however the story is so engrossing that after a while the lack of color is unnoticeable. The back of the movie is brief and most plot summaries are too. However, this movie is amazing. I watched it four times the weekend I rented it and when I had to return it went out and bought it. Steve McQueen is called one of "Hollywood's most legendary actors." He is remembered for his car chase in Bullit and motorcycle chase in The Great Escape. Although these movies are both truly perfect examples of McQueen's talent as an actor and speed demon, Love with the Proper Stranger should not be forgotten. It displays his softer side as well as his talent purely as an actor. A lot of actors are limited to certain type of movie. McQueen crosses the action figure genre with ease. His great looks and wonderful voice are just bonuses for us obsessed fans. I will admit sometimes I am drawn to movies by an actor's superficial appeals but McQueen is an amazing actor as well as a hottie. His character is perfectly developed and the use of facial expressions are so appropriate. For example, when talking to Angie (Wood) he will often just smile and then drop it when she disapproves.

Natalie Wood is as great as she ever has been. Her passionate character is not overdone. She is real and strong. She is not some dumb girl in most love stories just caught up in charm. She uses her head and then her heart. (I know that sounds cliched). Her lines are not awkward. Every line in this movie is perfectly placed and none are inappropriate. Her character is not single-layered. However, she develops over the course of the movie. It is obvious in her outward appearance, as well as her decisions. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance (and should have won too). The story addresses some issues too, about love, abortion and family. It does not come across as too heavy and then again not too light for the subject matter. Each is perfectly addressed. This movie is also not without humor. Lines like "we are in love, aren't we?" "Yes, you with yourself and me with myself" are both humorous and revealing. And the entire "you-know..." dinner conversation (e.g. broke her you know legs) is entirely entertaining. Overall McQueen and Wood deliver amazing performances and the story is just beautiful (I can't think of a more suitable word). So no matter what you may have heard this movie was the best rental selection I have ever made.