They don't make them like they used to.

Today is Valentine's Day and so I felt like writing a little about what I believe is one of the best romantic comedies ever.  

Of course even if you haven't seen it, you will most likely know of the very famous scene when Meg Ryan's character Sally proves a point to Harry (played by Billy Crystal) by faking an orgasm in the middle of a crowded cafè because he doesn't believe that women  may be "faking it" with him in bed.

My favourite scene is when Sally and Harry realise they are falling for each other but are too afraid to admit it.  They have begun spending more and more time together, each sharing parts of their recent breakups from long-term relationships where they both get to support and give advice to each other, along the way becoming friends.  

When Harry Met Sally has an excellent supporting cast in Carrie Fisher (Marie) and Bruno Kirby (Jess) both playing their roles to perfection.  I am sure MGM could easily have developed a sequel with just those two characters in the lead.  

Meg's character Sally Albright is described by Harry as one of the worst kind of women because she thinks she is low maintenance when really, she is high maintenance.  I do love the way that Sally orders her meal.  I too am someone that likes things how I like them, but I don't think I would go to the extreme of ordering pie like Sally does.  I'm not that big a fan of dessert for starters! 

I love Sally's hair and makeup in this part of the film, (it is 1977 after all) I love that she sprays hairspray on her hair before getting out of the car!  

By the time the film ends in 1989, her wardrobe has changed but her style has remained the same. Tailored and classic New York of the era. I love her hat in the scene where Sally and Harry are taking a walk together in a park.  I have a hat just like it which I refer to as my Annie Hall hat because Sally's hat looks like Annie's. 

Today the classic split screen dialogue between Sally and Harry would be played out with Skype instead of on the telephone.  I like how this method was updated in You've Got Mail with Kathleen and Joe's romance playing out on email. Makes you wonder how it will all happen over the next twenty years.   

They don't really make them like they used to anymore.  I struggle to find a romantic comedy that I can watch over and over with the same fresh eyes as I do When Harry Met Sally.  Of course, it may be just me? What do you think? Has Hollywood made a romantic comedy in the last decade that you would consider to be a modern classic? 


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