The depth and charm of Leo McCarey’s 1939 film, Love Affair places it a notch above most love stories. It is easy to understand why he himself felt this version had the edge over his own remake, starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Irene Dunne really shines in this film, giving one of her finest performances. A fine script by Delmer Daves and Donald Ogden Stewart takes us from sparkling wit to bittersweet love with ease, thanks to McCarey’s fine direction and the performances of Dunne and Charles Boyer.

Terry McKay (Dunne) and Michel Marnet (Boyer) are on an ocean cruise aboard the S.S. Napoli, both contemplating their impending marriages; she to a decent fellow who is more a friend than anything, and he to a very wealthy industrial heiress who doesn't excite him much but can afford his playboy lifestyle. They meet by chance — or fate — and soon must avoid prying eyes when a charming romance begins taking shape. His engagement, in fact, has been touted profusely in all the society papers.

Dunne is a witty hoot as the very American girl from New York and Boyer gives a very charming performance as Michel Marnet, a man squandering his talents by living in the moment. Terry gets a glimpse of what Michael might be when she meets his charming elderly grandmother in a beautiful rose-covered villa in Porto Santo, Madeira. The chapel there moves her deeply and she connects with his grandmother, who fears there will soon be a price to pay for her grandson's way of life.

The couple promise to meet in six months on top of the Empire State building at 5:00 to see if Michel can earn a living through his painting and be worthy to ask her hand in marriage. If you’ve seen the remake, which nearly everyone has, you know one of them doesn’t show up, but only due to tragic circumstances. An unexpected sighting, and a chain of events involving a painting will lead Michael to the truth, and perhaps a second chance at romantic heaven.

A love story of rare beauty, the original version of this film is a neglected treasure in American cinema. The lovely Irene Dunne gets to sing “Spring in My Heart” in this film, and the Oscar nominated “Wishing” is sung by her group of orphans. A nice score by the always reliable — and very underrated — Roy Webb enhances the mood of another RKO classic. A truly memorable romance with great charm. ( )