A look at a time long gone in America

SimonJack

'Love with the Proper Stranger" is much more than a standard comedy-romance and drama. Using elements of these genres it explores and shows aspects of mores, culture, time and place of the past. It's a snapshot of mid-20th century America. More specifically, of city life within boroughs. And explicitly, pregnancy that results from a one-night stand. Other reviewers have noted that this was before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973.

I agree with those reviewers who say that this may be Natalie Wood's finest performance. She does a superb job as Angie Rossini, going through a range of emotions and stages. Steve McQueen is Rocky Papesano, and he does very well in an atypical role. The supporting cast all give very good performances as well. Edie Adams is especially good as Barbie, and Penny Santon is very good as Mama Rossini.

Judging from reviews I've read, it's clear that different people will view a twist in this plot differently. That has to do with the hero rescuing the heroine from a planned abortion. The title is interesting. "Love with the Proper Stranger" seems to say that if one picks the right person, or type of person, for an affair (even a one night stand), it will lead to love, marriage and a life together. In the case of the woman, the man will stand by her, protect her, and fall for her. In the case of the man, he will find her attractive, be drawn to her and fall for her. And, in the course of that love developing, there is no thought of destroying the baby that brought them together.

A nice little subplot in this film looks at an old-fashioned idea of chivalry and decency. That is another man who loves the girl, wants to marry her and will tell his relatives that he is the father of the child. This all may seem strange in the 21st century, especially to younger people. In a society that has few taboos or restrictions on sex, and that espouses equality of gender traits, choice and tolerance - in such a society the time-honored mores of responsibility, honor, sacrifice and fidelity may seem strange indeed.

This film deserved the five nominations it received for Academy Awards.

score 8/10

SimonJack 7 May 2016

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3465357/