Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)

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:

Unclear whether this a bizarre coincidence or inside joke, but when character played by 'Natalie Wood ' is taking taxi home from the abortionist, cab passes a large billboard advertising a movie starring Wood's former (and future) husband 'Robert Wagner'.

Quotes:

Dominick Rossini: How are you?
Angie Rossini: Find and you?
Dominick Rossini: Fine.
Angie Rossini: That's fine.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool (2005) (TV)

I still remember lines

I awoke at 3:00 am last night to Love With The Proper Stranger. I hadn't seen it in probably 35 years. I adored it. When I first saw it in 1963 I was 16 and it made a terrific impression about abortion which were in the back alley stage. Today, I look at it, thankful that women don't have to do than anymore. But, mostly I think of how wonderful Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen were together.

What struck me was how "modern" it looked. I think that was partly because it was filmed in black and white. I know that might sound strange. I think part of it had to do with their clothing. Natalie looked stunning in Edith Head's costumes (wish I had that black dress with the pearls today) and Steve looked very normal in his trench coat. Backdrops of New York City looked present-day.

I must have seen it many times in the 60's since I knew lines that were coming, early this morning, before they were said by either of these great actors.

The development of this movie from a drama, into a romantic comedy was done brilliantly and very naturally. I loved the way Natalie used her eyes to speak and how Steve did the same.

My only regret is that neither of them are with us today.

I will have to see if this has come out on DVD. I'd love to have it.

My other favorite movies of hers were Splendor in the Grass (I went out and purchased Wordsworth's poetry immediately after seeing it) and Inside Daisy Clover.