One Special Night

Watched this again this weekend. I have seen it every year since it's premiere in 1999. Andrews and Garner (in their third film together) still have chemistry together--and then some. This is truly a classic, and a sterling example of what a Holiday movie should be. The entire cast performs beautifully, the wintry atmosphere is completely captivating and the musical score is perfect. Add to these a script which is believable and touching without becoming trite. Everyone gets an "A" for their work in this, but in the end, it's truly the perfect performances of Andrews and Garner that make this such a memorable experience.

I have always admired a film based on a story with steadily ascending human values. Like "An Affair to Remember", the story in "One Special Night" begins with a negative relationship between Garner and Andrews but, as they become better acquainted, their antagonism goes into neutral. When they are finally forced to take refuge in a deserted house to shelter from the heavy snowstorm and they eventually discover that they both possess that sublime quality of positive human values, their affection for one another gradually develops into a beautiful kind of love superbly suited to their advanced age. The dialogue between Andrews and Garner is admirably sober, witty, and often deeply touching. One feels compelled to offer congratulations also to writers Hartman and Silvers, and director Roger Young for a truly heart-warming story. One would wish to be witnessing a reversal of the sleazy trend so frequently adopted by the movie makers of the last quarter of the twentieth century. I gave this story a score of 9, and I added another point for the fact that the film was produced well after what I've always considered to be the golden age of Hollywood movies (1930-70) in this age when films are being made in abundance but rarely with any depth of meaning.

I was so excited to see the tv drama One Special Night, and when I finally got my hands on a copy, I wasn't disappointed. It reunited Julie Andrews and James Garner for the third time, and it had a compelling, touching storyline that tugged on my heartstrings from start to finish. It was written by Nancey Silvers, the writer of Hallmark's Chesapeake Shores, so you can expect good values, three-dimensional characters, and sweet moments. I like your style, Nancey!

In this story, the two leads meet in an old folks' home. No, it's not what you're thinking. James is visiting his Alzheimer's-ailing wife, and Julie is seeking comfort by sitting in her late husband's old room. It's snowing pretty heavily, and as a good Samaritan, Julie offers James a ride home. They spin out on a patch of black ice and crash in a snowbank. What are two attractive, semi-available people to do when they're stranded in the snow and come across a cozy log cabin?

Sometimes you can tell when actors really like each other; the camera just can't cover up true feelings. Paul Newman always had a twinkle in his eye when he looked at his wife, Fredric March had a softness when Flo worked with him, and Robert Mitchum seemed happier around Deborah Kerr. James and Julie looked like they couldn't wait to have dinner together and chat about old times. Even though they initially start the film antagonistically bickering, you could still see a warmth between them that threatened to thaw the snow.

This holiday-set romance is very sweet, and it's definitely one I'll watch again. Julie has such incredible class, and she looks so beautiful! I love the way she applies her makeup, and her feathery 'do is so flattering to her bone structure. After watching this movie, I scheduled an appointment with my hairdresser and brought in a picture of Julie for a new cut.

A lovely story; easy watching and for once it is nice to care about the characters in a story. No drugs, no sex. Just love. As a transplanted northerner I loved seeing the snow and pretty scenery. Aren't Julie Andrews and James Garner lovely together?

James Garner and Julie Andrews reunite for this very special TV-Movie. They play two people stranded in a snow storm who through the night learn about each other and grow a meaningful friendship. James Garner is excellent, while Julie Andrews delivers a knockout performance. A great CBS movie, watch it if you get the chance.