LOVE WITH THE PROPER STRANGER

US, 1963, 101 minutes, Black and white.
Natalie Wood, Steve Mc Queen, Edie Adams.
Directed by Robert Mulligan.

Love With the Proper Stranger showed two popular stars of the 60's in a drama that dealt with sordid realities, but presented them with sympathy and feeling; the unmarried mother, the responsibilities of the father, the reality of abortion. The film is frequently sombre but engaging and moving.

Robert Mulligan has made a number of moving dramas about grim aspects of life; To Kill A Mockingbird, Up the Down Staircase, The Stalking Moon, The Summer of '42. Natalie Wood acts well here as does Steve Mc Queen, although he seems to have a number of repetitive mannerisms of facial gesture and uncertain shuffling of his feet.
The authentic black and white realism of the New York streets, shops and houses makes the problem more real - this may be why most people are put off by the sudden goonery' like ending (reminiscent of the tone of the ending of The Graduate). Nevertheless, a good American social drama.

1. What did the title mean?

2. What meanings of the word "love" emerged from the dialogue and action of the film?

3. Who were strangers to one another - merely Rick and Angela? What about their families?

4. What was the point of introducing the title song in the middle of the film? What comments were made on its sentiments? Were they just?

5. Authentic black and white photography of New York streets and buildings was used. How did this affect the mood of the film? Was it in keeping with the film's themes?

6. What was the purpose of the opening crowded and noisy scene? What did it suggest about crowds, strangers, communication, anonymity in a city, Rick's character, Angela's predicament?

7. What kind of man was Rick on first impression - out of work, egotistical, promiscuous, tough? Did your opinion of him change as you got to know more about him? Did you like him after a while? When?

8. What did the Italian family background tell you about Angela - under strict surveillance, migrant mother, protective brothers, "Don't love me so much, I can't breathe. I've got to do something or else I'll choke". Does this explain why Angela went with Rick? Does it justify it?

9. How does the film illustrate the generation gap, the culture gap?

10. What impression did the planning for the abortion make an you? The amateur finding of someone, finding the money, being asked for more, the actual abortionists (was the latter sequence too horrific?). Why did Rick change his mind?

11. When did Rick and Angela begin to communicate? How important was the conversation after they were chased - where Angela comments on the song, wants real love, where she says people who really live alone are dead? (Rick says married people are "the prisoner of Zenda”).

12. Why was the wife of Rick's friend shown at the play area? What impression did she make on Rick - her age, looks, former friendship and present inability to communicate?

13. "I'm willing to marry you - to take any medicine." Was Angela right in refusing to marry on these terms? (Even though her brothers, mother and the priest were surprised.)

14. Why did Angela really return to Anthony? Was he a good man?

15. What did Angela's preparation for Kick's visit tell you about her feelings for him?

16. Why was the dinner a flop? Why was it easier for her to go with him when she did not know him than when she did?

17. The end. Were you satisfied with its meaning? The style -or was it too artificial?