An Affair to Remember Month is a title assigned to February in honor of “An Affair to Remember,” a 1957 romantic movie that’s considered to be one of the greatest of all time. The month was viewed as the perfect time to celebrate the love and subsequent tragedy that occurred in the storyline.
History of An Affair to Remember Month
“An Affair to Remember,” the movie February was made to honor, was based on the storyline of a 1939 movie titled “Love Affairs” that was both co-written and directed by Leo McCarey. According to him, the movie was inspired by his view of the Statue of Liberty and skyline of the city of New York as his ship moved closer to its harbor, following an expedition.
Produced in 1957 in a motion picture as opposed to the black and white of the previous one, the story began when the leading cast actress Terry and actor Nickie met and instantly felt irresistible chemistry between themselves on a cruise ship heading to New York from Europe. The twist was that they both were engaged. And despite their attempts to stay apart, they keep finding ways back to each other.
Their love and the romantic undertone of the story turned even more serious in the movie when their ship docked in Italy where Nickie’s grandmother, Janou, lived, and he asked Terry to join him on a quick visit to her. Upon meeting Terry, Janou became best friends with her and discussed her worries about Nickie with her. Terry herself mentioned several times how much she enjoys Janou’s home.
After the visit, they could no longer resist each other and promised to rendezvous at the top of the Empire State Building in six months if they are no longer single. On the day they were supposed to meet in New York, Terry had an accident that left her paralyzed and ultimately shy to reach out to him again. On his part, Nickie thought he was rejected so he moved on until they surprisingly met and fell back in love with each other again.
The status of the movie as one of the most romantic movies ever made was why it is being remembered annually every February.
An Affair to Remember Month timeline
“Love Affair” is the original classic black and white movie "An Affair to Remember" is based on; this time, with new actors in the lead role, a slightly different plot, and color.
1957 marks the year of the release of the romantic classic movie this February holiday is named after.
It's remade with Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, and is titled "Love Affair."
An Affair to Remember Month is first observed in 1996, two years after the movie's last underwhelming remake was released, and the holiday is published in Chase's Calendar.
An Affair to Remember Month FAQs
How many versions of “An Affair to Remember” are there?
Three. The first version of the movie was shot in black and white at the time in 1939, but was remade scene by scene in 1957 by the same director.
What year is “An Affair to Remember” set in?
“An Affair to Remember” was based on the same storyline from an earlier movie titled “Love Affair” and was both co-written and directed by Leo McCarey.
How old was Deborah Kerr when she starred in “An Affair to Remember”?
She was 24 years old.
An Affair to Remember Month Activities
Watch the movie it honors
Take time out to rent, buy, or schedule a visit to a cinema showing the evergreen love movie An Affair to Remember Month honors in your area and watch it! As a head-up, make sure to grab a pair of tissues and prepare your mind for the heart-wrecking classic.
Visit the Empire State Building’s observation deck
After Nickie and Terry met and tried but couldn’t resist the growing chemistry between themselves and didn’t want to be tempted to fall head-over-hills with each other, they made a promise that if they are single after six months, they’ll rendezvous at the top of the Empire State Building.
Talk about it on social media
Share your opinion about "An Affair to Remember" on social media to celebrate the month-long observance holiday. Use the hashtag #AnAffairtoRememberMonth to see what others think too.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About “An Affair To Remember”
It’s a romantic classic
"An Affair to Remember" is considered one of the most romantic films of all time, according to the American Film Institute.
It has ties to a 1939 movie
The film was a remake of the 1939 black and white movie titled “Love Affair,” starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer.
The New York skyline
The original movie "An Affair to Remember" was co-written and directed by Leo McCarey, who said the movie was inspired by his view of the Statue of Liberty and skyline as the ship, which he was crossing the Atlantic on, entered New York harbor.
Its theme song made it popular
Movie critics noted that what contributed to the 1957 film’s success was its Academy Award-nominated theme song titled “An Affair to Remember” or “Our Love Affair.”
The leading man’s role
The leading actor in the 1957 film, Cary Grant was said to be the reason behind the movie’s success, as his playboy role perfectly matched his real-world profile: Grant was in the midst of his third marriage at the time.
Why We Love An Affair to Remember Month
It celebrates a widely loved movie
An Affair to Remember Month was intended to honor the movie of the same name considered to be one of the most romantic movies of all time. The day serves as a reminder of how love can be found in the most unexpected places and situations. Terry and Nickie, the lead actors in the movie, met on a ship from Europe to New York. How crazy is that?
It matches February’s charm perfectly
A classic love story. An Affair to Remember Month solidifies February as the most love-filled month of the year. We love it!
It reminds us how good classic movies were
Classic movies are the deal and An Affair to Remember Month reminds us of one such movie that was widely seen and continues to be seen decades after its initial release. In most cases, you can’t help but wonder and ask how a movie plot can be so well written.
An Affair to Remember Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | February 1 | Thursday |
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